A Renovated Library for a Modern Fairbanks

Come see our newly renovated Library!

Thank you for helping us reach our goal for the Noel Wien renovation and expansion project!

With your help, the Fairbanks Library Foundation raised more than $1.5 million in private donations toward the $14 million project.

We are so grateful to our wonderful community. Thank you!

Your Library, Reimagined!

Discover fresh spaces, modern resources, and a community built for you.

Discover the new library, where specialized spaces, expanded areas, and a wealth of resources ensure you’ll find exactly what you need.

We’ve worked hard to bring modern resources to our community, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Our new facilities are clean, spacious, and equipped with practical features like abundant charging ports, computers, and high-speed WiFi to keep you connected in today’s tech-driven world.

The library offers a welcoming, safe space to work, connect, and build a stronger community together.

The library is a vibrant hub of activity and important gathering spot for all members of our community.

Renovation Highlights & Benefits

Fully renovated public spaces to improve library services and efficiency for all ages.
Teen Room with current technology, age-appropriate materials, study areas, computer lab, and adaptable space.
Addition of 4,000+ square feet providing convertible programming spaces for children, tweens, and teens, as well as family reading areas and access to our beautiful gardens.
Business center for small business creation and growth.

Countryman Cafe, a coffee shop and used book store.
Additional community gathering and meeting spaces for various-sized groups.
Enhanced and larger reading areas with easy WiFi and charging access.
Renovated public restrooms.
Fully outfitted Active Learning Lab for community and staff programming.

Support Our Libraries

Libraries are the heart of our community, offering free access to books, technology, and learning for all ages. They promote literacy, support local businesses, and provide safe, welcoming spaces to gather, study, and innovate.**

To keep our libraries vibrant and future-focused, we need your support. Your donation helps us provide modern tools, adaptable spaces, and inclusive services—ensuring our libraries remain vital hubs of education, connection, and growth. Donate today!

For more informations, please contact:
Michelle Daml, Board President and Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee: president@thelibraryfoundation.org, 907.459.1029.

Fairbanks Library Foundation Tax ID: 92-0072826

Support the Renovation

Want to know more about the Renovation?

Please contact Michelle Daml, Board President and Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee: president@thelibraryfoundation.org, 907.459.1029.

Fairbanks Library Foundation Tax ID: 92-0072826

Thank You Donors

Robert Quillin

June 19, 2025

Amount Donated

$2,000.00

Susan Sugai

June 2, 2025

Amount Donated

$500.00

Mark & Ami Oppe

January 30, 2025

Amount Donated

$100.00

Heather Conley

January 30, 2025

Amount Donated

$20.91

Charlotte LaRue

January 28, 2025

Amount Donated

$1,250.00

Christopher Polk

January 24, 2025

Amount Donated

$20.91

Sarah and Steve Masterman

January 13, 2025

Amount Donated

$51.80

Betsy Retterer

January 2, 2025

Amount Donated

$175.00

Nicholas and Courtney Adkins

January 2, 2025

Amount Donated

$500.00

Larry C Zervos

January 2, 2025

Amount Donated

$500.00

Darleen Masiak Michael Stephens

January 2, 2025

Amount Donated

$2,000.00

John Dennis

January 2, 2025

Amount Donated

$500.00

Support the Library – Support Fairbanks’ Future

You can email us directly at president@thelibraryfoundation.org

Meet the Capital Improvement Project Board

Michelle Daml

Chair

Read Bio

Curriculum Coordinator for Fairbanks North Star Borough School District since August 2011. From 1998 to 2011 Michelle was a K-5 Elementary School Teacher at the FNSBSD. Experience includes working with teams, facilitating both large and small groups, and teaching classes and workshops for adults and children. She has served on many non-profit boards in the state and community. Organized, reliable, and communicates well with colleagues. Michelle has been on the Fairbanks Library Foundation Board since 2012 and the President since 2018.

Kathy Alton

Co-Chair

Read Bio

High School Language Arts teacher (1974-2004)
Curriculum developer for several Alaskan school districts (2004-2011)
Board member and President of Fairbanks Library Foundation (2012-2018)
Active member of Delta Kappa Gama-Beta Chapter (1995-present)
Current member of Golden Heart Readers
Book club member ( 1998-present)

Rhonda Bressler

Treasurer

Read Bio

Once upon a time I found a different world on the other side of a wardrobe, became the 14th member of the fellowship, journey to find treasure with a band of pirates and found what really is cheaper by the dozen. My name is Rhonda Bressler and I grew up in North Pole Alaska I finding many wonderful adventures waiting for me in the books at the Library. I attended summer reading programs, researched science fair projects for Badger Road Elementary School and studied for UAF final exams in both the North Pole and Noel Wien Libraries. Now as a Mom and business owner I’m back in the library for more movies nights, community evens and a quiet comfortable place to work. I’m so excited to lend my skills to the Library Foundation as the Bookkeeper and find yet another adventure in the library.

Peggy Carlson

Member

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Retired from the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District with 35 years as both a teacher and administrator. Recent positions include FNSBSD Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction and State System of Support Coach with the Department of Education as a district improvement coach, working in rural Alaska. She serves on the non-profit boards of Kids Voting North Alaska and Stars of Gold Readers. Peggy has strong facilitation and organizing skills and is dedicated to supporting youth and literacy.

Lesa Meath

Member

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An educator of 30 years, Lesa’s experience includes a variety of teaching and leadership roles. She has served as a teacher, coach and mentor in districts across Alaska. Lesa is Nationally Board Certified, active in a number of professional and service organizations, and is self-employed as a consultant and presenter. Lesa’s own early reading passion was fueled by hours spent at the George C. Thomas library in downtown Fairbanks, and the bookmobile she looked forward to each summer growing up in the Goldstream valley.

Brandi Wehner

Administrative Services Manager

Read Bio

Brandi hails from Southeast Alaska and moved to Fairbanks in the Fall of 2017. She is new to FNSB Libraries, and we are very lucky to have her! She brings a wealth of government experience in facilities, grants management, budgeting, and human resources, with over 26 years of experience in these fields. She has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Alaska, with a concentration in Accounting and Entrepreneurship. We look forward to working with her as our capital campaign manager for when Noel Wien Library reaches new heights.

Kate Ripley

Member

Read Bio

Kate Ripley has more than 30 years of professional experience in strategic communications, public relations, media, and marketing in Alaska. After a 10-year career in journalism in Juneau and Fairbanks, Kate joined the University of Alaska, where she served 15 years in leadership positions in public relations, alumni relations, and development. She now works as a communications and public relations consultant.

Kate was born and raised in Juneau. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Northern Studies at UAF.