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.