Melissa Hartson

Library Services Director

Melissa Hartson was selected as the Library Services Director for the City of Newport Beach in May 2022. She brings over 27 years of experience working within the Newport Beach Public Library system to the position.

As the Library Services Director of the City of Newport Beach, Melissa oversees the operations of the Central Library and three branch libraries: Balboa, Corona del Mar, and Mariners. With a staff comprised of over 70 full time and part time positions, the libraries provide a place for reading, researching, studying, attending lectures, community meetings, writing workshops, book clubs, children’s programs, and more. The Library is the cultural, educational, and informational heart of Newport Beach.

In addition, the Library encompasses the Cultural Arts Division within the City of Newport Beach to bring cultural and arts programming to the community. Melissa is the staff liaison for the Newport Beach City Arts Commission and Board of Library Trustees.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Irvine in Psychology and Social Behavior and earned a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.

Melissa is married, has one child, and resides in South Orange County.

Contact Melissa

Melissa Hartson, library services director
Library Services Department
1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach 92660
949-717-3800 | mhartson@newportbeachca.gov

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