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

frankfort-park-district

Frankfort Park District Utilizes Federal ARPA Funds for HVAC Upgrades

Article Summary: The Frankfort Park District is leveraging a Will County ARPA grant to fund major infrastructure needs, having already been reimbursed $72,500 for a new HVAC system at Founders...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for September 22, 2025

The Frankfort Village Board took a notably strict stance on zoning matters on Monday, September 22, 2025, denying two significant residential variance requests for a greenhouse and a pool that...
ICE arrests Iowa schools superintendent with criminal record, no work authorization

ICE arrests Iowa schools superintendent with criminal record, no work authorization

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Iowa's largest school district is holding an emergency meeting Saturday night after its superintendent was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Des Moines agents. ICE...
Miller files ‘parental rights’ constitutional amendment, blasts Illinois’ policies

Miller files ‘parental rights’ constitutional amendment, blasts Illinois’ policies

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller says parental rights are being diminished and it’s time they speak up....
Department of Energy returning $13B climate agenda funding to taxpayers

Department of Energy returning $13B climate agenda funding to taxpayers

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Energy will be returning to American taxpayers $13 billion in “unobligated wasteful spending” that was originally intended for former President Joe...
Trump directs war secretary to send troops to Portland to protect ICE

Trump directs war secretary to send troops to Portland to protect ICE

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Troops will be sent in to protect immigration and customs enforcement facilities “under siege” in Portland, President Donald Trump said Saturday morning. The president cited...
Enbridge Energy

Will County to Pay Enbridge $82,000 to Relocate Pipeline Equipment for Exchange Street Improvements

Article Summary: Will County will reimburse Enbridge Energy for costs associated with relocating its pipeline facilities to make way for roadway improvements on Exchange Street in the Monee and Crete...
diamond shaped orange red reflector street sign that reads road

Laraway Road Widening Project in New Lenox and Frankfort Gets Additional $468,000 for Redesign

Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a supplemental agreement worth $468,374 for additional design and engineering work on the major Laraway Road expansion project. The funds are needed for...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

“Federal Policy Uncertainty” Blamed for Delay of Peotone Solar Farm; County Grants Second Extension

Article Summary: The Will County Board has granted a second permit extension for a solar farm in Peotone Township after the developer, Trajectory Energy Partners, cited "ongoing uncertainty regarding federal...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Will County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers

Article Summary: The Will County Board approved first-time permit extensions for five commercial solar projects across Monee, Crete, and Joliet townships, all of which were recently sold to larger energy...
WCO 2025-09-27 at 9.04.10 AM

Will County Board Approves Controversial Drug Recovery Retreat in Crete Township

Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a special use permit for The Second Story Foundation to operate a long-term residential recovery program for men on a 68-acre horse...
Trump says he won't back down on Antifa terrorism designation

Trump says he won’t back down on Antifa terrorism designation

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump is moving quickly against an organization that he blames for destruction, looting and protests, another indication the president is acting faster during...
Exclusive: DOJ 'weaponization' victim still in jail, asking for Trump pardon

Exclusive: DOJ ‘weaponization’ victim still in jail, asking for Trump pardon

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on Thursday and as Congress continues to investigate the “weaponization” of the Biden Department of Justice, one...
Champaign stabbing raises concerns over Illinois mental-health law

Champaign stabbing raises concerns over Illinois mental-health law

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state lawmaker who also serves as a police officer says the recent stabbing of non-police...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.4

Tensions Flare as JJC Chairman Rebukes “Entitlement” After Trustee Lists Demands

Article Summary: Apparent tensions on the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees surfaced during its meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, when one trustee requested to be returned to "good...