Dear Friends,
We did it. Just let that sink in for a moment.
Since January 2023, I have had the great privilege of leading The Commons Foundation of Larkspur.
The Commons Board includes Jeanne Friedel, Cindy Winship, Jonathan Ellenzweig, Brock Wagstaff, and Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, our campaign coordinator. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with our donors who, over the past ten years, have accomplished something remarkable. Together, we have transformed 2.4 acres into a lasting community asset.
Libraries are often described as places where stories live. But before this library could hold thousands of stories, it needed a story of its own. And that story begins with you, our donors, whose generosity, patience, and vision made it possible.
More than $6.5 million was contributed not simply to construct a building and its landscaping, but to create a place where curiosity, learning, and connection will thrive for generations. While this building is made of concrete, steel, and glass, it was truly built with optimism, persistence, and thousands of volunteer hours. Thank you for believing that Larkspur deserved something extraordinary.
A brief look back…
Twenty-five years ago, in the heart of downtown Larkspur, this site was home to dilapidated greenhouses — shattered windows, overgrown weeds, and scattered debris. Not quite the community centerpiece we envisioned.
A proposed 120-unit housing development was quickly dismissed. Years later, a revised plan for fewer than 60 units, including senior housing, was approved. Thanks to the foresight of a dedicated City Council and former mayors — Ron Arlas, Joan Lundstrom, Dan Hillmer, Joan Lubamersky, Kathy Hartzell, and Larry Chu — 2.4 acres were set aside for community use.
By 2015, the Rose Lane homes were complete, but the donated land remained without a clear vision. The community and City agreed it should become a new library, though funding had yet to be secured.
That’s when this story truly began.
In 2018, residents formed The Commons Foundation. Joe Jennings led the vision to fund, build, and sustain a modern library and community center. He assembled a team that included our current board, Terry Berkemeier, Kathy Green, Chris Hartzell, and the late Scott Lockard, an architectural conceptual artist whose contributions were invaluable.
We also honor our first Seedling donors, whose early belief and generosity helped lay the foundation for the new library.
Along the way, we were supported by outstanding partners: legal counsel Sally Shekou Herbst; Tamara Hall and Barbara Luttig, who provided accounting services; and many dedicated volunteers.
Walking through the library and seeing the names on the Donor Wall — as well as throughout the community rooms, study spaces, children’s and teen areas — is deeply moving. Your generosity is not only recognized but also woven into the fabric of this place.
The Commons Foundation also collaborated with the Friends of the Library, the Larkspur Library Foundation, and the Larkspur Community Foundation.
We are grateful for strong support from the County of Marin, including former Supervisor Katie Rice and current Supervisor Brian Colbert.
At the state level, former Assemblymember Marc Levine secured a $1 million infrastructure grant for the new library. After The Commons Foundation raised $5.2M in donor funds, the California State Library provided a critical $5.2M matching grant for the City of Larkspur.
To the Larkspur staff, you have been exceptional. Thank you to City Manager Dan Schwarz, Public Works Director Julian Skinner, and our City Council: Mayor Stephanie Andre, Scot Candel, Catherine Way, Gabe Paulson, and Sarah Margulies, along with the Planning Commission.
Together, we brought to life an outstanding Design-Build Team:
- Noll & Tam Architects: Chris Noll
- Alten Construction: Sam Sabido, Senior Project Manager
- Kitchell: Chris IILLLI
- RHAA Landscape Architects
- And most recently, Refugia Founder Dana Swisher will help create a beautiful Habitat Garden.
I am deeply grateful that we embarked on this journey together. The Commons Foundation may have helped open the doors, but our donors have written the first chapter.
I’m also pleased to share that The Commons Foundation will continue its work, supporting the library and community center. We are in the process of electing a new board and welcome inquiries from anyone interested in becoming involved.
On a personal note, it has been a true pleasure getting to know so many of you —through calls, emails, and in person. Thank you for your generosity, your trust, and your belief in what this could become.
Together, we have created something lasting, a place that will inspire and serve generations to come.
Thank you for making this dream a reality.
Sincerely,
Ann Morrison
President, The Commons Foundation
PS: To view photos from the library celebrations, please visit Event Highlights. If you’d like to use or download any images, please feel free to reach out to Leah Prahm at leahprahmphotography@gmail.com.