Board reappoints Michael Art Bauer to Lakewood Public Library board

The Lakewood Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to reappoint Michael Art Bauer as a trustee of the Lakewood Public Library for a term running Sept. 12, 2025, through Sept. 12, 2032.

Persis Sosiak, president of the Lakewood Public Library Board of Trustees, brought the nomination forward and said Mr. Bauer served as board president during the library’s COVID-19 response and the renovation of the Madison branch. "Mr. Art Bauer brings strong experience in management, training, and communication to our board," Sosiak said.

James Crawford, director of the Lakewood Public Library, joined Sosiak at the podium and deferred to the trustees’ recommendation while urging the board’s favorable consideration. Michael Art Bauer spoke briefly about his motivation, saying he has a "desire to serve the community and a love of all things book," and that serving on the board was a way to continue that service.

The board moved the reappointment as a formal resolution that specified the term dates; the motion was seconded and approved in a roll-call vote. President Katzenberger, Vice President Shaughnessy, Mrs. Clark Sutton, Mr. Callahan and Ms. Dotman all voted "aye."

The trustees’ presentation noted Mr. Bauer’s prior service as board president, his role during the Madison branch renovation and his background as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. The board did not take other action related to library funding or policy at the same time.

The reappointment concludes the superintendent’s report portion of the meeting and will appear in the board minutes as a carried resolution.