Frankfort Library Board Appoints Former Trustee Brooks Stenoish to Fill Vacancy

The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees on Tuesday appointed former trustee Brooks Stenoish to fill a vacant seat, bringing an experienced member back into the fold just weeks after a major board reorganization.

The appointment to the two-year term was made by a unanimous vote during a special meeting. The decision followed a 36-minute executive session where board members discussed the selection of a person to fill the public office, as permitted by the Open Meetings Act.

Trustee Autumn Faris made the motion to appoint Stenoish, which was quickly seconded by Trustee Jeffrey Otway. President Look, along with Trustees Lori Evenhouse, Faris, Emily Meszaros, and Otway, all voted in favor of the appointment. Trustee Karen Miner was absent.

Stenoish’s return provides continuity for a board that underwent significant change in May, when five new trustees were sworn in. Stenoish herself had just completed a term and was recognized for her service at the May 22 meeting, where she expressed that she “enjoyed her time on the board and working with the trustees.”

President Look said he would contact Stenoish to inform her of the board’s decision.

In a move to keep other applicants engaged with the library, the board requested that Library Director Amanda Kowalcze contact the other candidates who had applied for the vacancy. They will be thanked for their interest and invited to join the library’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

Following the vote, the board transitioned to an orientation session for its new members. The session, led by President Look, Director Kowalcze, and Business Manager Denise Wargowsky, was designed to bring the new trustees up to speed on their governance roles. The orientation covered key topics including Frankfort Public Library District facts, the respective responsibilities of the board and the library director, the legal duties of a trustee, library district funding, and relevant library law. The evening concluded with a tour of the library building.