Hello! I'm Carolina from Sweet Carolina.
In January 2023, after a competitive bidding process, The Carnegie Trust invited me to operate the Community Café at the Carnegie Library. From that day forward, my heart has been dedicated to creating a space that is not only beautiful but also functional, enhancing our incredible community.
I envision a lounge where everyone feels welcome—a place to work, do homework, socialize with friends and family, or organize weekly and monthly meet-up groups—all while enjoying amazing coffee and delicious food. We will collaborate with many local businesses, such as Volcano Coffee, Bread Bread Bakery, Single Variety, The Flower Lady, and Blowing Dandelion Chocolates, as well as Brixton Brewery. Additionally, we will partner with brands that share our important values, including Karma Drinks, Decent Packaging, Pip Organic, Rude Health, Holos Kombucha, and many more.
I aim to foster a close relationship with the Library and its librarians. Carnegie Café will be a space for everyone, designed to make you feel welcomed and at home the moment you step inside. Over the past two years, we have diligently developed the vision for this space, listening carefully to your suggestions and ensuring they are taken into account.
Last year, the Council invested significantly in the building, addressing long-overdue maintenance. The Trust has also dedicated considerable energy and resources to make the Hub and the Café a reality. I, too, have invested time and funds to bring this dream to life.
However, to fully realize this vision, we need a little help. Your contribution can make a significant difference—whether it's the comfort of a plush sofa versus a hard one, an additional grinder for on-site decaf, a "zero waste" corner display from day one, a better coffee machine, or a small kitchen capable of serving hot food. Every bit counts and can lead to a huge impact.
If you can help us, we offer fantastic perks in exchange for your contribution. If you're unable to contribute financially, please consider making a donation or sharing this project to help us make Carnegie Cafe a place we can all be proud of!
Thank you, looking forward to enjoy Carnegie Cafe together very soon!
Carolina
---
**Message from the Trustees:**
The Carnegie Library Hub is a trust established to preserve our historic local library and create a welcoming space for community activities. The Trust's core values include heritage, well-being, opportunity, community, inclusivity, and collaboration. We strive to uphold these values through partnerships with local groups and businesses.
Through an open bidding process, the Hub selected Sweet Carolina of West Norwood from several competing local businesses due to its strong community response, experience, quality of food, aesthetic appeal, and sustainable funding model.
We believe that the inclusion of a café is pivotal to our success in achieving the Hub's objectives. The café will not only generate financial returns but also enhance the overall experience for Hub clients, encouraging longer visits and greater usage of our beautiful local library. The adjoining Community Lounge will be available for community groups, and there will be no obligation to purchase anything if you are in that area.
Furthermore, the Hub partners with the Libraries Service and the Gym located in the basement to make visits to the Carnegie Library more enduring. We are looking for ways to utilize the café to attract users from across the building and the community who may not usually have the opportunity to engage.
Thomas Halahan and Beth Prince, Trustees of the Carnegie Community Trust CIO