frankfort illinois library logo graphic.5

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

Spread the love

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.

Latest News Stories

Screenshot 2025-10-17 at 1.50.57 PM

Summit Hill 161 Board Approves $40 Million Budget for 2025-2026 School Year

Summit Hill School District 161 Board Meeting | September 17, 2025 Article Summary: The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education unanimously approved a roughly $40 million budget for...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education for September 18, 2025

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education on Thursday, September 18, 2025, formally adopted a $172.7 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget includes a...
frankfort-square-park-district.2

LWSRA Details Services for Residents with Disabilities, Plans ‘Hero Village’ Grand Opening

Article Summary: Keith Wallace, Executive Director of the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA), presented an overview of the agency’s services to the Frankfort Square Park District board, highlighting its support...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.3

JJC Moves Forward with Major Technology Overhaul to Modernize College Operations

Article Summary: The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees received a detailed update on a sweeping Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project, a major initiative designed to modernize the college's core...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Park District for August 12, 2025

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, approved a significant construction change order for the Fort Frankfort project and received updates on the use of...
frankfort fire district graphic logo.2

Frankfort Fire District Hires Two Firms for Over $70,000 to Lead Referendum Campaign

Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District has officially committed to a community outreach campaign for a potential tax referendum, approving agreements with both a professional consulting firm and the...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.2

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for August 20, 2025

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees focused on a major technological overhaul, celebrated milestones in student support, and addressed internal governance issues at its regular meeting on August 20,...
lincoln way school district 210 logo.1

Lincoln-Way 210 to Launch District Literacy Plan, Expands Community Partnerships

Article Summary: As part of its strategic plan, Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is developing a comprehensive literacy plan to embed critical thinking skills across the curriculum. The district is also...
new-lenox-library.2-1

Frankfort Library Board Approves FY 2025-26 Budget, Transfers $300,000 to Reserve Fund

Article Summary: The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees formally adopted its Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and approved a $300,000 transfer from the General...
WCO 2025-09-27 at 9.05.04 AM

County Board Abates Over $25 Million in Property Taxes for Bond Payments

Article Summary: Will County property taxpayers will be spared over $25 million in taxes for the 2026 payment year after the County Board voted to abate taxes for six separate...
Screenshot

Lincoln-Way 210 Prepares for “Retirement Wave” with Focus on Recruitment

Article Summary: Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is bracing for a significant number of retirements, with 47 teachers expected to leave over the next four years, representing nearly a quarter of...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort School District 157-C for August 12, 2025

The Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education focused on future planning during its meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with a detailed presentation of its 2025-2026 Annual Plan. The...
frankfort-square-park-district.2

Frankfort Square Park District Receives Clean Bill of Health in Annual Financial Audit

Article Summary: The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners formally accepted the district's annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2025, which found no areas of...
frankfort township graphic

Frankfort Highway Department Plans Levy Increase to Replace Aging Trucks

Article Summary: Frankfort Township residents can expect an increase in the highway department's property tax levy this year, which will be used to replace two trucks that are two decades old....
lincoln way school district 210 logo.2

Lincoln-Way Board Weighs Community Solar Program Promising $155,000 in Annual Savings

Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 board is considering a 20-year agreement to participate in a state-sponsored community solar program that could save the district an estimated $155,000 annually on electricity...