The Commons Foundation

Fund, Build and Sustain the New Larkspur Library and Community Gathering Space

Dear Friends,

Welcome to The Commons Foundation website! As a nonprofit founded in 2018, we’re dedicated to bringing the dream of a new Larkspur Library at The Commons (corner of Doherty Drive and Rose Lane) to life—a community space that will enrich lives, create community, and foster connection.

In partnership with the City of Larkspur and with heartfelt thanks to the 400+ local supporters who share our vision, we are excited to be building a legacy that will serve generations to come. Together, we’ve already made history as one of Marin’s most successful public-private fundraising efforts!

Following our October 2024 groundbreaking, construction will officially begin in early 2025, with Alten Construction, Noll & Tam Architects, and project manager Kitchell all working to bring our vision to life. By early 2026, Larkspur’s new library will open its doors, welcoming everyone with accessible spaces, ample parking, and inviting areas for gathering, learning, and relaxing.

Now, we’re focusing on making the surroundings as special as the library itself! Our $1 million campaign is underway to transform the grounds with beautiful landscaping, pathways, seating areas, and so much more that will make The Commons a vibrant place to relax, catch up with friends, or take in the stunning view of Mt. Tam.

We invite you to check back often for updates on our progress and ways to get involved. Thank you for your support in building this lasting legacy for Larkspur!

Sincerely,

The Commons Foundation

See What's New

New Plants for the design

Landscaping Campaign

After raising $5.2M in private funds in 2022, which was matched by a state grant, we were able to reach our initial goal for funding a new Larkspur library building. However, library grants cannot be used for exterior elements such as landscaping and outdoor meeting spaces. To raise critical funds for these outdoor areas, we are currently fundraising to raise $1M in private contributions, to be used to enhance the exterior spaces surrounding the new library, including features such as patios, walkways, raised beds, arbors, vegetation, amenities for cyclists and pedestrians, inviting seated areas, benches, and lighting.

Updates

Newsletters

What an exciting last couple of weeks it’s been for the TCF team as we prepared for the new library groundbreaking ceremony at The Commons...

New Modern Library

A nexus of community resources and partnerships, a 21st century library goes beyond books to provide programs and materials that meet the needs of all in a community. It’s a hub where individuals of all ages can engage in collaborative learning, explore new technologies, and participate in enriching cultural experiences.

Landscaping Campaign

Our Landscaping Campaign aims to enhance the exterior spaces surrounding the new Larkspur library with features such as patios, walkways, raised beds, arbors, vegetation, amenities for cyclists and pedestrians, inviting seated areas, benches, water features, and lighting.

Who We Serve

TCF serves all members of the community in Larkspur and beyond. Our mission is to create a new library and its surrounding grounds that will benefit everyone, including school-age children, teens, older adults, empty nesters, and those who commute to Marin for work.

About The Commons Foundation

The Commons Foundation is citizen-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to raise private funds from Larkspur and neighboring communities to fund, build and sustain a new, modern Larkspur public library.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build a beautiful, vibrant and inclusive community gathering space that fosters lifelong learning, literacy, cultural enrichment and meaningful connection for all members of our community.

Why I Give

"I like to give to the library because libraries change lives for the better. Whether introducing libraries to little ones, providing a safe place for students, nurturing learners of all ages, or reaching out to the community online, the Larkspur Library is the center of our reading community with high quality resources available to all without cost. It's a revolutionary concept that makes our society and we as individuals better.”
Barbara Friday
Friends of the Larkspur Library
“A public library is a place for introducing children to language and literacy and also for lifelong learning, skill building, teaching, quiet study spaces, intergenerational sharing, mind expansion, and access to the world beyond. The new Larkspur Library will be a treasured resource for our community to gather, and to share ideas and companionship.”
Sharon Staley
Donor
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a new library and community center that will be a vibrant gathering place and cultural hub for generations to come.”
Catherine Way
Larkspur City Council Member and Former Mayor
“We strongly believe in the importance of funding and building the best new modern library possible.”
Lori Lerner and Terry Berkemeier
Donors
“Libraries are one of the most essential functions in our communities. They serve both as a learning and job resources center, as well as living rooms for so many people in our communities.”
Marc Levine
U.S. Assembly Member

Landscaping Campaign –
Funds Raised to Date

Thank you to all of our supporters for helping us make our new library and its surrounding grounds a welcoming and joyful space for the community!
$ 0

Amount Needed: $1M