In 2008, Jeanette Contreras was appointed Library Director at Placentia Library District. She is the first Asian American to hold the position in the District’s 105 years. She is honored to serve the community of Placentia for over 15 years.

Under Jeanette’s leadership and with her team, Placentia Library District has received many recognitions, including the CSDA Innovative Awards, the California Library Association PRExcellence Award, and the Chamber of Commerce Employer of the Year Distinction. Jeanette oversaw the District’s Centennial Celebration renovation project, instituted new programs and services, including the STEAM makerspace, an engaging children play area, the award-winning Library of Things collection where patrons can checkout such things as a sewing machine, leaf blower, drones, etc., the elimination of overdue fines, and increased library hours, opening 7 days a week. The District was the first library in Southern California to offer virtual programs and remained open during the pandemic, as well as the first to have adopted a COVID-19 Reopening Plan to ensure the safety of staff and the public while minimizing disruption in services.

Throughout her 33 years as a library professional, Jeanette has held various positions, working in Children’s, Adults, Teens, Circulation, and Administration. Jeanette is active in community services and had served on the Boards of the California Library Association, Public Library Association Scholarship Committee, and Boys & Girls Club. She also served on the Instructional Materials Review Committee for Capistrano Unified School District. Jeanette is a member of the American Library Association, Public Library Association, California Library Association, and the California Special District Association.

Jeanette graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration from Cal-State Fullerton, and received her Master’s Degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in 1994. She has called Orange County her home for over 45 years.

Jeanette enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and going to the movies with her family.