Dear friends,
The start of summer is upon us. For some, this will mean time off to rest and recuperate. For others, it might mean traveling to see family or to check some adventures off the bucket list.
While everyone has different plans for the summer, The Commons Foundation and the City of Larkspur will be working hard to finalize plans for the new library, which includes getting The Commons area ready for a new structure — how exciting!
New Library Project Update
The City’s timeline to break ground for the new library infrastructure and parking lot is still on track for this summer.
We anticipate that the design development plans of Alten Construction with Noll & Tam Architects (ACI team) will be presented to the Planning Commission in June/July. After the Planning Commission review, the team will finalize design details and prepare construction drawings required to secure a building permit.
New Larkspur Library Highlight in the Marin IJ
In case you missed it, the Marin Independent Journal recently published my piece about the new Larkspur library project: Marin Voice: Larkspur Project for Library Community Center Will Be a Triumph.
Here’s a reprint:
Sometimes we can get disheartened with politics and lack of collaboration for common good. I hope to share some local news that is vibrant and positive.
In 2018, residents of Larkspur came together to form The Commons Foundation (TCF). Joe Jennings spearheaded TCF’s vision to fund and build a new modern library and community center for the City of Larkspur (at the lot that was donated to the city previously, on Rose Lane across from Hall Middle School).
Credit goes to the many TCF volunteers and our board (Brock Wagstaff, Cindy Winship, Jeanne Friedel, Jon Ellenzweig and Kathy Green). We see a vision of a vibrant hub that serves as more than just a repository of books but as a nucleus of community life. Together, our ‘village’ yearns for a place where connections are forged, ideas are nurtured, and people of all ages come together to learn, to relax, and to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.
Today, that dream is becoming reality, thanks to the support of our residents, the partnership of our city, and the generosity of our donors.
Since 2018, TCF raised $5.2 million in private funds from over 100 generous families, groups, and individuals—a testament to our community’s belief in the importance of education, culture, and community. Those funds were amazingly matched 100% by a state grant, enabling us to begin design. Certainly, this is one of the most successful Marin-centric community efforts of the last century.
One highlight of note was the TCF-sponsored art contest in 2022: “Why I Love Libraries.” Dozens of K-8 students from elementary schools all over Marin submitted physical and digital art, videos, and poetry. Separately, Redwood High Architectural students had some amazing design ideas. We were all so inspired by the talent and creativity of our younger generation!
I can hardly believe that after years of perseverance, we have reached a critical stage in our journey as we look forward to the beginning of construction in the next couple of months. The architects and builders entrusted with bringing our vision to life, Alten Construction with Noll & Tam Architects (ACI team), were selected last fall. We anticipate the design will be presented to the Planning Commission this summer.
We would not be here without the partnership of the City of Larkspur throughout the many years of bringing this project to life along with the generous gift of the land. The Larkspur City Council, City Manager Dan Schwarz and Public Works Director Julian Skinner have been just awesome to work with.
Further good news: Larkspur City Council recently approved the addition of a large community room and over 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, capable of doubling as a safe haven during emergencies. Our new library will be a place where our community can come together, share experiences, and weather storms, both literal and metaphorical.
Imagine this – in less than 8 years, our community has collaborated and pulled together private, state, and local funds to build a state-of-the-art 21st-century library and community center.
With construction beginning soon, we now turn our attention to the exterior elements such as landscaping and outdoor meeting spaces, which are essential components of our vision. That’s why we are on a mission to raise $1 million more to be used to enhance the outdoor spaces surrounding the new library, including furnishings, landscaping a children’s area patio, outdoor reading room, outdoor community space, and additional trees and garden areas.
Good things can happen globally and locally! Visit www.thecommonsatlarkspur.org to learn more about our nonprofit organization and how you can help.
Landscape Campaign
Our goal is to raise $1M to enhance the areas surrounding the new library. To become one of our Landscape Campaign supporters, visit our donation page: https://thecommonsatlarkspur.org/ways-to-support/
Options include:
- Making a one-time or recurring donation through PayPal or your credit card
- Mailing a check to The Commons Foundation, PO Box 846, Larkspur, CA 94977
- Making a one-time donation through your donor-advised fund (DAF) or retirement fund
- Reaching out to me, Ann Morrison. Let’s have a coffee!
- Please email admin@thecommonsatlarkspur.org with questions. As a reminder, most donations are tax-deductible and you will receive a gift acknowledgement by mail for tax purposes.
As always, we appreciate your support for this vital community asset.
Sincerely,
