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

Government shutdown halts visa, permanent resident approvals

Government shutdown halts visa, permanent resident approvals

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square As the federal government shutdown continues with no clear end in sight, federal agencies that process legal immigrant petition documents have been completely halted, leaving...
Frankfort Village Board Meeting Graphic

Frankfort Approves Plan for 43-Home First Phase of Stalled Country Crossing Subdivision

Village of Frankfort Board Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board has approved amended annexation agreements and a final plat for the first phase of the...
Ads roll on, money pours in, and SCORE Act waits

Ads roll on, money pours in, and SCORE Act waits

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Seven big games in the Southeastern Conference alone, hundreds of players, all headed toward the billions college football generates in the 21st century. And with...
Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates

Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Candidates hoping for a spot on 2026 primary election ballots are expected to line up Monday outside...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for October 16, 2025

Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 The Will County Board took major action on property taxes at its meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, narrowly voting to...
summit-hill-junior-high-school-frankfort-161.2

Student Initiative Leads to Lunch Program Overhaul at Summit Hill

Summit Hill School District 161 | October 15, 2025 Article Summary: A student-led effort at Summit Hill Junior High is sparking significant changes to the district's food service program, including...
frankfort-park-district.1

Frankfort Park District Awaits State Agreement on DCEO Grant Amid Public Interest

Frankfort Park District Meeting | September, 2025 Article Summary: Frankfort Park District commissioners are fielding questions from residents about a state grant, with some suggesting the funds be used for the...
Universities respond to new federal Grad PLUS loan caps

Universities respond to new federal Grad PLUS loan caps

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Santa Clara University School of Law will guarantee $16,000 annual scholarships starting next fall, fully covering tuition following the new federal Grad PLUS loan caps...
Report shows California leads in debt among all 50 states

Report shows California leads in debt among all 50 states

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A new Reason Foundation report pegs California as the state with the nation's highest debt. The report found that the California state government carries more...
High superintendent pay fuels debate over Illinois school consolidation

High superintendent pay fuels debate over Illinois school consolidation

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois Policy Institute report reignites debate over how schools are run and how much...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago expressway projects ends; Spooky graveyards

Illinois quick hits: Chicago expressway projects ends; Spooky graveyards

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago expressway projects ends Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the end of Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation project on Friday. Illinois Transportation Secretary...
Trump plans to tell Congress about new drug war, won't seek permission

Trump plans to tell Congress about new drug war, won’t seek permission

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump and his administration plan to inform Congress about using the military to target drug traffickers, but stopped short of saying they would...
U.S. aircraft carrier being deployed to Latin America

U.S. aircraft carrier being deployed to Latin America

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As part of the Trump administration’s plan to target narco terrorists around Latin America, the Pentagon announced Friday that a U.S. aircraft carrier will be...
Federal agents arrive near San Francisco despite National Guard call-off

Federal agents arrive near San Francisco despite National Guard call-off

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square Despite President Donald Trump calling off an impending National Guard deployment to San Francisco, federal agents arrived Thursday at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, on...
Over 100 pro-life organizations ask Congress to end forced taxpayer abortion funding

Over 100 pro-life organizations ask Congress to end forced taxpayer abortion funding

By Tate MillerThe Center Square More than 100 pro-life organizations are calling on Congress to end forced taxpayer funding of abortion that loopholes in Obamacare allow for, stating the Hyde...