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

WATCH: McMahon discusses education at Reagan Institute

WATCH: McMahon discusses education at Reagan Institute

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized literacy, artificial intelligence, civil discourse and education funding at the Reagan Institute Summit on Education. Indiana Education Secretary Katie...
Illegal border crossings near record low in August

Illegal border crossings near record low in August

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – Illegal border crossings in August remained at near record lows although they were slightly up from July. Illegal crossings in...
Lower U.S. oil production projected in 2026

Lower U.S. oil production projected in 2026

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Activity in the oil and gas sector declined slightly in the third quarter of 2025, according to executives at exploration and production firms headquartered in...
GOP leader disputes Newsom's comments on Colbert's show

GOP leader disputes Newsom’s comments on Colbert’s show

By Dave MasonThe Center Square The Republican leader in the California Assembly said Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom went too far when he told CBS host Stephen Colbert he feared there...
‘Ivy League’ doesn’t mean excellent medical schools, according to new index

‘Ivy League’ doesn’t mean excellent medical schools, according to new index

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square In a new public ranking of American medical schools, two public Florida universities outscored the medical colleges at Harvard and the Mayo Clinic. The Medical...
Report: 'Weaknesses' and 'unusual increases' found in management of Ukrainian aid

Report: ‘Weaknesses’ and ‘unusual increases’ found in management of Ukrainian aid

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Some of the $45 billion in American taxpayer dollars sent to the Ukrainian government as foreign aid may have been mishandled, according to a new...
WATCH: Illinois lawmakers clash over election consolidation and compulsory voting

WATCH: Illinois lawmakers clash over election consolidation and compulsory voting

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are weighing boosting voter turnout by consolidating elections and considering compulsory voting. During a...
Gubernatorial candidate calls for reason, peace outside Illinois ICE facility

Gubernatorial candidate calls for reason, peace outside Illinois ICE facility

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski says repealing the TRUST Act to end the state’s sanctuary status is...
Report: Soros foundation gave $80M to groups tied to 'extremist violence'

Report: Soros foundation gave $80M to groups tied to ‘extremist violence’

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Amid President Donald Trump officially designating Antifa a domestic terror organization, a new report details how a prominent billionaire may be funneling millions to extremist...
Illinois quick hits: Officer charged in straw gun case

Illinois quick hits: Officer charged in straw gun case

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Officer charged in straw gun case A Chicago police officer faces charges for making gun purchases on behalf of someone else transporting them to...
WATCH: Pritzker looks for 4% ‘efficiencies’ after increasing spending 43% since 2019

WATCH: Pritzker looks for 4% ‘efficiencies’ after increasing spending 43% since 2019

By Greg Bishop and Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is looking for 4% "efficiencies" after increasing spending by 43% since...
IL bans PFAS in firefighter gear by 2027, raising safety, market questions

IL bans PFAS in firefighter gear by 2027, raising safety, market questions

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois firefighters will soon be wearing protective gear free of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” under a...
WATCH: Pritzker blames Trump for budget cut EO; Chicago public safety on Trump’s mind

WATCH: Pritzker blames Trump for budget cut EO; Chicago public safety on Trump’s mind

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares reaction from...
Louisiana joins four states in complaint against electricity grid operator

Louisiana joins four states in complaint against electricity grid operator

By Nolan Mckendry | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Louisiana and four other state public service commissions have filed a formal complaint against the Midcontinent Independent...
Illinois quick hits: State rep. appointed circuit judge; Bailey to seek rematch with Pritzker

Illinois quick hits: State rep. appointed circuit judge; Bailey to seek rematch with Pritzker

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square State rep. appointed circuit judge Justice Mary K. O’Brien and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of state Rep....