frankfort illinois library logo graphic.5

Frankfort Library Board Reorganizes with New Officers, Seeks to Fill Vacancy

The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees underwent a significant transformation Thursday night, swearing in five new members, electing a new slate of officers, and announcing an immediate search to fill a vacant two-year seat.

The reorganization followed the formal adjournment of the previous board’s term, marking a new chapter for the library’s governance.

Trustee Lori Evenhouse was elected as the new board vice president, with Trustee Jeffrey Otway taking the role of secretary and Trustee Karen Miner named treasurer. They join President Look, who continues in his role, to form the new officer team.

The election followed the administration of the oath of office to five recently elected trustees: Evenhouse, Otway, Miner, Autumn Faris, and Emily Meszaros. Their arrival creates a majority of new faces on the seven-member board.

Immediately after organizing, the new board addressed its first major piece of business: a vacancy for a two-year term that was left open after the recent election. According to the board, the vacancy must be posted for 15 days. Applications for the position will be accepted through June 7, with the board planning to hold a special meeting in June to review the candidates and vote to appoint a new trustee.

“The new board has big shoes to fill, but I feel they have a good group,” Otway said during his first comments as a trustee.

In his welcoming remarks, President Look emphasized the importance of teamwork for the newly formed board. He noted the “collaborative nature of the board and the importance of being informed and leveraging everyone’s strengths.”

Other new trustees also expressed their readiness to serve. Trustee Meszaros noted she was happy to be on the board and pointed to increased circulation numbers as a positive sign for the library. Trustee Evenhouse said she has a fondness for the library and looks forward to being a good steward.

As the new board took shape, the previous board took a moment to honor its outgoing members. A resolution was passed in recognition of the service of David Drisko, John Karabis, John Schneider, and Brooks Stenoish, who officially concluded their terms.

The new board also finalized its structure by making committee appointments. The new assignments are:

  • Policy & Personnel: Trustees Evenhouse, Meszaros, and Otway

  • Finance: Trustees Otway and Miner

  • Building & Grounds: Trustees Faris and Miner

  • Strategic Planning: Trustees Look, Faris, Meszaros, Otway, Miner, and Evenhouse

The new board will hold a tentative orientation during a special meeting scheduled for June 17 at 7 p.m.

Events

26 Aug
28 Aug
28 Aug
29 Aug
30 Aug
30 Aug 25
30 Aug
30 Aug 25

Latest News Stories

Sanchez

Sanchez Family Unveils Major Redevelopment Plan for Monee Industrial Property

Article Summary: Developer Luis Sanchez, a key figure in Monee's commercial growth for two decades, presented a plan to revitalize an industrial property on Industrial Drive. The project, which includes...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.15.28-PM

Monee Approves Over $566,000 Payment for New Public Works Facility Nearing Completion

Article Summary: The Monee Village Board approved a payment of $566,134.16 for the ongoing construction of its new Public Works building. Officials reported the project is on track for a...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.11.44-PM

Sheepdog Firearms Gets Green Light for Special Use Permit in Monee

Article Summary: Sheepdog Firearms received final approval from the Monee Village Board for a special use permit to operate a retail and firearms range facility at 25812 S. Sunset Drive....
Wintrust-Crossroads-Sports-Complex

New Lenox Prepares for Grand Opening of Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex

NEW LENOX – After months of anticipation and intensive work, the New Lenox Community Park District is making final preparations for the grand opening of its flagship Wintrust Crossroads Sports...
New-Lenox-School-122.2

New Lenox D122 Board Approves Tentative Budget, Sets September Public Hearing

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has approved a tentative budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, maintaining its long-standing practice of balanced budgets funded by existing cash...
New-Lenox-Township-Food-Pantry

New Lenox Township Food Pantry Reports Record Demand in May

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Township Food Pantry experienced a record level of need in May, serving 431 families and 1,107 individuals, according to a report at the June...
NL-VB-July-28

New Lenox to Dedicate Street Honoring Pope Leo XIV, Citing Deep Local Ties

NEW LENOX – The Village of New Lenox is celebrating its unique connection to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, by...
New-Lenox-School-122.7

D122 Renews Insurance Policies for Nearly $490,000

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has renewed its property/casualty and worker's compensation insurance policies for the 2025-2026 school year, with total costs amounting to nearly $490,000....
new-lenox-township.2

New Lenox Township Addresses Cemetery Needs, Appoints New Liaison

NEW LENOX – New Lenox Township is turning its attention to the care and potential expansion of its cemeteries, an effort that will be spearheaded by a newly elected trustee....
New-Lenox-Village-Board.2

New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini Retires; Sgt. David Nykiel Promoted in Leadership Transition

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Police Department is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Police Chief Louis Alessandrini retires after 20 years with the village, celebrated with an emotional...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.15.28-PM

Monee to Receive $250,000 Donation in Solar Project Agreement

Article Summary: The Village of Monee will receive a $250,000 donation from TPE IL W1202, LLC, after the Village Board authorized a community benefit agreement for a planned 5-megawatt solar...
new-lenox-park-district.6

New Lenox Park District Board Approves 2025-2026 Budget

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during its regular meeting on June...
New-Lenox-School-122.6

Staffing Shortage Leads D122 to Renew Contract for School Psychologist

Facing a persistent staffing shortage for a critical role, the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has renewed its contract with an outside agency to provide a school...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Township for June 12, 2025

At its June 12 meeting, the New Lenox Township Board of Trustees heard reports on rising demand for community services, discussed ongoing maintenance projects, and assigned responsibilities to its newly...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.4

New Lenox Approves Major Residential Subdivision, Paves Way for Route 6 Commercial Growth

NEW LENOX – The Village Board took decisive action on two major developments Monday, giving final approval to a 55-lot residential subdivision for "empty nesters" and clearing a key hurdle...