 The library was named after Alaskan aviator Noel Wien and its main branch stands on the site of Weeks Field, Fairbanks' original airport.The original public library in Fairbanks was the George C. Thomas Memorial Library, a log building which was constructed in 1909 to replace the reading room in St. Matthew's Episcopal Mission.Funding for the 1909 structure was given a boost by George C. Thomas of Philadelphia, who also donated $1,000 a year for three years to buy books.