Give to the Carnegie - A Space Worth Sharing!
AlmostFreeToAll, Inc. (AFTA) formed to revitalize Auburn’s historic Carnegie Library. AlmostFreeToAll continues the transformation of the Carnegie Library into a fully functional facility that not only contributes to the artistic and cultural vibrancy of Auburn but also acts as the center of community celebrations under the program name "Branches at the Carnegie".
The Auburn Carnegie Library stands uniquely positioned to foster Auburn's artistic, cultural, and community events. The revitalized Carnegie Library serves as an affordable venue for community groups, artists, educators, businesses, individuals, local non-profit organizations, micro-businesses, and entrepreneurs to showcase their services, talents, presentations, and trainings, while also providing space for boutique musical, cultural, and social events.
In 2025 Branches at the Carnegie provided affordable space for seven artists during the annual Placer Artists Tour, served as an anchor location for Porchfest 2025, participated in a summit for the local Chamber of Commerce, featured a National Conference on local writer Clark Ashton Smith, gave the Placer High Class of 1995 a special reunion locale, hosted a mixer for local non-profits, and provided space for art classes, meditation circles and community groups. Additionally, many local families held special celebrations like bridal showers, large dinners, baby showers, and birthdays. All of this was done with donations and grants from community members and other donors like you! We could not be more grateful.
AFTA strives to keep Branches at the Carnegie affordable, so every donation helps! If you are interested in renting this beautiful facility, please contact us at AlmostFreeToAll@gmail.com so we can discuss details with you.
Give to the Carnegie - A Space Worth Sharing!
Our intention is to create a gracious center for the arts, culture, education and community events in the heart of Auburn, CA where adults and youth can experience art exhibits for all ages, enjoy a variety of music in an intimate venue, listen to fascinating presentations, attend seminars and trainings, celebrate events with family, and join in multi-generational events. We offer very affordable space in the historic building built by Andrew Carnegie in 1909 that has now transformed into a center of celebration and exploration for the whole community.
AlmostFreeToAll, Inc. opened the building to renters in January 2025 and use has been accelerating, especially as we have been able to ensure improved climate control and comfort. We continue to make improvements to the garden and interior, and we have developed plans for a commercial kitchen for building patrons and others to use.
We need make the garden area more comfortable with shading, light and electrical outlets. We also plan to complete the refurbishing of the downstairs floors and continue our accessibility initiatives.
We need funds to assist with continued improvements, stocking supplies and materials, general maintenance, increasing visibility, securing audio visual equipment, and ensuring we maintain the space while keeping it affordable.
It is difficult for individuals, groups, and small businesses in our community to find affordable space for meetings, rehearsals, lessons, etc. The primary mission of Branches at the Carnegie is to provide space at the most affordable rate possible to all who want to create, perform, teach, discuss, plan and gather to enrich our community.
View our current participation opportunities.
In-Person Volunteering
AFTA will host volunteer information events. Watch our website for information.
Auburn Carnegie Library
Organization name
AlmostFreeToAll, Inc.
other names
Branches at the Carnegie
2021
Mission Category
Community Improvement, Capacity Building
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Funding: Unrestricted
Demographics Served
General population
Local Counties Served
Placer
Address
175 Almond StreetPlacer County, CA, US
Sacramento County, CA, US
Nevada County, CA, US
El Dorado County, CA, US
Yuba County, CA, US