We hope you had a terrific Thanksgiving and that you’re feeling the excitement of the holiday season. As always, we’re grateful for the generosity of our community supporters who are making the vision of a new Larkspur Library at The Commons possible.
New Library Project Update
TCF had an opportunity to ask Julian Skinner, Larkspur’s Director of Public Works, for an update on the new library building process.
TCF had an opportunity to ask Julian Skinner, Larkspur’s Director of Public Works, for an update on the new library building process.
TCF: How do you think this new library will benefit our community?
JS: The new library will provide upgrades not available at the current library site including parking, access improvements, and outdoor space, as well as flexibility to meet future needs.
TCF: Your leadership with the new library and completing the building in 2025 is very impressive. What is the city’s timeline to complete the 2025 deadline?
JS: The next steps in the timeline include awarding a contract to the Design-Build-Entity (DBE) who scores highest in the Request for Proposals process currently underway. The DBE will design and construct the new library. We anticipate selecting the DBE in late December and finalizing their contract in early 2024. The design work will take approximately six months and be followed by construction starting in late summer 2024. Construction work should be completed by end of calendar year 2025.
TCF: What are this project’s main risks and challenges?
JS: Projects with grant funding are typically constrained with timelines. The city chose the design-build process to mitigate the risks of cost and schedule overruns. A challenge for all construction projects lately has been material availability and delivery times. It is not unusual in today’s construction environment for components to have delivery times more than one year. The entire team will be working together to identify and strategize working through these issues on this project.
TCF: What book would you recommend to our audience?
JS: I now mainly only read for pure entertainment, as an escape from work and the many unfortunate news headlines. The last book that made me chuckle out loud was Yearbook by Seth Rogen.
TCF: Thank you, Julian. We appreciate project updates so that we can keep our supporters informed.
Donor Highlight: Tina McArthur & Richard Rubenstein
TCF: Why did you get involved with Larkspur’s future 21st century library? In other words, why is this library important to you?
Tina and Arthur: This library represents the fulfillment of an inclusive dream that will bring satisfaction and pleasure to all ages. We feel especially proud to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile cause. Together with the Lark Theater, Larkspur will become a true cultural center in Marin County.
Illuminating Larkspur: TCF Shines Bright for the Community
On Friday, November 17, City Parks & Rec turned the holiday lights on in Piper Park illuminating the trees in festive colors. Thanks to all the brave souls who turned out to celebrate with TCF team in the rain. Special thanks to TCF board members Jeanne Friedel and Kathy Green, and to Campaign Counsel Serena D’Arcy-Fisher. Everyone was fortified with hot chocolate, whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolates. We hope you will enjoy the lights throughout the holiday season. There may be another opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with TCF at Piper Park during December. Stay tuned!
Today is Giving Tuesday – International Day of Giving
Once a year, following Thanksgiving and the excesses of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we are invited to support our favorite charities.
As a member of our community, The Commons Foundation is asking for your support today for an important aspect of our new library that we believe will greatly benefit our city and its residents.
The building of the new library will be completed by late 2025. However, this project goes beyond a library. We aim to create an attractive sustainable landscape and outdoor public meeting and seating areas. These will enhance the overall experience of everyone who comes to the new library. Your contribution today will directly support the creation of a vibrant, sustainable outdoor space that will provide a welcoming environment for all.
To donate, simply click the donate button or visit our donation page on our website: www.thecommonsatlarkspur.org/ways-to-support. There, you can make a donation using PayPal or a one-time credit card payment. You can also send a check to the following address:
The Commons Foundation (TCF)
Post Office Box 846
Larkspur, CA 94977
Please contact admin@thecommonsatlarkspur.org if you have questions. Donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a gift acknowledgment by mail for tax purposes.
Thank you in advance for your support for this vital community asset.
The Commons Foundation team wishes you and yours a joyful, healthy holiday season!
Ann Morrison
President, The Commons Foundation