Our story
The Friends of Alpine Library was started in 2024 by local Alpine residents—moms, teachers, and volunteers who hoped to provide a key missing resource in the community. Our Alpine Public Library has been completely bootstrapped—the operations are run by volunteers who have donated their time, books and resources to make the library a reality. Thanks to a generous donation by Burgess Orchards in 2026, we now have a permanent location to host our books and community programs.
Why Alpine needs a library
Library services aren’t just “nice to have”, they provide important services for all ages.
Nearly one in three residents in Alpine is under 18 years old, meaning there are thousands of children and families who would benefit directly from a library. Libraries support families with story times, picture books, and learning resources—especially during the most important developmental years to promote early literacy.
For teens, libraries serve as a safe and supportive space after school, on weekends, and during the summer as an alternative to screens.
For everyone, libraries foster community connection. Through book clubs, lectures, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, libraries create shared experiences that strengthen social bonds and help residents feel rooted and invested in their town.
Our vision for what's next
Since opening in Sept 2025, we've already helped over 1000 attendees feel a sense of community through participation in our programs and events. We’ve received more than 10,000 donated books to jumpstart our catalog, and had over 300 library patrons signed up. We've also hosted over 10 monthly programs from story time to Wellness Workshops and several artisan markets that highlight the work of many local Alpine artists such as Bryan Mark Taylor.
There is still important work ahead—improving accessibility, expanding shelving space, bringing the building fully up to code, and creating an outdoor space for families to enjoy. Through your support, our vision is to build a vibrant center for our community—a place where neighbors can gather to discover, learn, and connect with one another.
Meet the Team
Meet the dedicated individuals who make Alpine Public Library a welcoming place for all.
Executive Director
Jennifer Wadsworth
Jennifer Wadsworth is an accomplished educator and mother of three with over ten years of experience working directly with education and youth-focused nonprofit and advocacy groups. Jennifer is passionate about grassroots organizing and firmly believes in the transformative power of community-led initiatives that benefit societal well-being. In her free time, Jennifer is completing her MPA degree and enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, and traveling with her family. Her favorite children’s books are the Fancy Nancy Series, and "The Mystery at Number Seven Ru' Petite."
Program Director
Kristin Hagen
Kristin is a mother and educator. She studied education, human development, and educational leadership at BYU. She spent many years as a classroom teacher, children's theater director, music teacher, tutor and reading specialist. She loves her family, the outdoors, exploring, reading, theater, gardening, and has a deep passion for the arts. She enjoys painting, singing, dancing, and crafting. Kristin has dreamt of creating a library and community center since moving to Alpine in 2013 with her husband and children. Her favorite children's books are "Stephanie's Ponytail" and "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon."
Director of Operations and Facilities
Bethany Sorensen
Bethany Sorensen has lived in Alpine for nine years with her husband and three kids. She volunteers on the Prime Time Committee for Alpine City and has a passion for creating events and gathering places for community members. Her favorite form of entertainment is reading and she enjoys any kind of hobby that can be done outdoors. Her background is in broadcast journalism and she loves using those skills to benefit humanitarian causes. Her favorite children's book is "The Little House" by Virginia Lee Burton.
Director of Development
Jennifer Qiao
Jennifer Qiao is a cofounder of East Meets Dress and a proud member of the Alpine community, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Passionate about fostering spaces for the local community, Jenn helps manage the Burgess Orchards Farmstand and is excited to help bring more opportunities for children and families to connect in Alpine. An avid reader, her favorite book to share with her girls is Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, a heartfelt story that reminds us that in the end, we have all that we truly need.
Board Advisor
Robert Hanson
Robert Hanson contributes nearly four decades of senior-level leadership in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. His expertise includes building governing words, developing strategic and operational plans, structuring sustainable fundraising systems, and securing financial resources—having personally raised and stewarded more than $130 million in philanthropic and investment capital. He has extensive experience in designing and managing comprehensive campaigns, cultivating donor and corporate partnerships, and ensuring accountability through rigorous evaluation methods.
Treasurer
Lindsay
Since moving to the Alpine fourteen years ago, Lindsey has dedicated much of her time to champion students and school faculty. As a mother, she is passionate about fostering educational opportunities for all children. Her contributions to the community of Alpine continue at Timberline, where she served in leadership roles dedicated to the support of students and teachers. Her professional background is rooted in business. She has a BA in Communications and an MBA. She has many favorite children’s books, but “Owen” by Kevin Henkes is one of her top five.
Library Staff
Communications Specialist
Tauna Hurd
Adult Program Chair
Kathryn Neves
Marketing Specialist
Michaela Thackeray
STEM Program Chair
Kate Hatch
Adult Book Club Commitee
Brittany Willison
More Roles Available