Almost Free To All (AFTA)

Almost Free To All, Inc. is  the name of our corporation which is a tax exempt, non-profit corporation dedicated to  celebrating Arts, Culture, Education and Community Events.  We are excited to host events as well as offer  a beautiful space at affordable prices  for community events and celebrations at Branches at the Carnegie, 175 Almond St. Auburn, CA.

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 of all ages, enjoy a variety of music in an intimate venue, listen to fascinating presentations and join in multi-generational events. We offer very affordable space in the historic building built by Andrew Carnegie  in 1902 that has now transformed into a center  of celebration and exploration for the whole community.

Our Beliefs and Core Values

  • We believe that by bringing community members together through the arts creates a sense of belonging.

  • We believe that celebrating life through music, art, culture and education helps create passion, respect and understanding for diversity and heritage.

  • We believe that honoring the gifts and talents, skills and diversity of the community members brings value to the community and helps it grow into a vibrant, appreciative, unified group with a sense of admiration, sensitivity, kindness and compassion for all people of all ages and lifestyles.

  • We believe that creating a venue to recognize and celebrate life will create a stronger community and assist in the positive development of social and emotional wellness of individuals, children and families.

Carnegie Library Historical Designations

  • California Register of Historic Places, "Point of Interest" - Designated September 11, 2000

  • National Register of Historic Places, significance Architecture and Education - Designated March 31, 2011

Annual Reports

AlmostFreeToAll does its best to keep the Auburn City Council and the community informed about activities, changes, improvements and events at the Carnegie Library and to the Branches at the Carnegie program. We presented our first Annual Report 2024 to the Auburn City Council on March 24, 2025.

Who Are We? Meet AFTA

Marcia Bice - Board Member 

Licensed Enrolled Agent, Insurance Agent, Financial Advisor and owner/operator of a Tax and Accounting Business in Newcastle. Marcia, a Newcastle native since 1980, brings expertise in all things regarding taxes and finances, working with small businesses and impeccable organizational skills. Marcia has been involved in a multitude of community activities including Treasurer of Newcastle Business Association and founding Board member of the Mandarin Festival. Marcia received her BA in Finance from San Jose State University.  

Erin Collins - Secretary  

Personnel Analyst for Rocklin School District. Erin brings expertise in the skills of leadership, social responsibility, excellent communication, and integrity. Erin has been a dedicated supporter of the arts throughout the years, a novice sculptor, and is a member of the Sugar Plump Fairies, a community-based non-profit group, unique to our area. Erin received her AA degree in Liberal Arts from Sierra College.

Diane Gilbert - Community Liaison

Human Resource Manager and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of the Newcastle Elementary School District brings the expertise of an ambassador, visionary and adept anticipator. Diane has also had professional experience as an educator, aide to Mayor and City Council, Liaison to Santa Barbara Visual Art in Public Places, and assisted start-up companies to become successful. She is a member of the non-profit, community based, Sugar Plump Fairies. Diane received her BA in Liberal Arts and teaching credentials from Westmont College in Santa Barbara.  

April Maynard - Treasurer

April has been practicing Law in Auburn since 1978, bringing the expertise of critical thinking, strategic planning, complex problem solving and understanding legal issues. April is also a dedicated volunteer for the Arts of Placer County from the time it was first housed in the Carnegie Library.

Alexia Retallack - President

Alexia brings expertise in the areas of communications, customer care, marketing, public relations, legislation and regulation. Alexia sits on the Placer County Fish and Games Commission, was an Editor in Chief of a newspaper, managing editor of a magazine, university instructor, member of the Sugar Plump Fairies, and part of the American Association of University Women. Alexia received her BA in English and Journalism, and MA in English from CSU Sacramento.  

Philip L'Amoreaux - Vice President

A native of Placer County, is a civil engineer in a consulting firm overseeing the construction management of pump stations and water treatment plants. He brings us expertise through his ability to work with project stakeholders such as architects, planners, citizens, contractors and elected officials. Phil’s
understanding of complex technical information will guide us in our decisions and timelines to accomplish the renovations we plan to implement. Phil received his BA in Civil Engineering and a MS in Civil Engineering from UC Davis.