The library was named after Alaskan aviator Noel Wien and its main branch stands on the site of Weeks Field, Fairbanks' original airport.

In 1949 a fire destroyed one-third of the collections, but through subsequent donations the library grew to more than 4,000 volumes.

[2][3] Since 1998, ceramic tiles made to look like book spines have decorated the main entry to Noel Wien Library.

The tiles are made in a variety of realistic sizes and colors and can be and memorialized for $100 each, with all proceeds dedicated to benefiting the library.

A noted local ceramic artist, Nancy Hausle-Johnson, makes the tiles to look like real books as viewed from the spine.