Marin Voice: Larkspur project for library, community center will be a triumph

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. Joe Jennings spearheaded TCF’s vision to fund and build a new modern library and community center for 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 has raised $5.2 million in private funds from over 100 generous families, groups and individuals. It is 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 has been one of the most successful Marin-centric community efforts.

One highlight of note was the TCF-sponsored art contest in 2022: “Why I Love Libraries.” Dozens of students from kindergarten through eighth grade – from elementary schools all over Marin – submitted physical and digital art, videos and poetry.  Separately, Redwood High School architectural students had some amazing design ideas. Members of the foundation 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 and Tam Architects, 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 city officials 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: The Larkspur City Council recently approved the addition of a large community room and more than 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The space is 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 eight 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 thecommonsatlarkspur.org to learn more about our nonprofit organization and how you can help.

Ann Morrison is president of The Commons Foundation and former Larkspur council member, who retired as mayor in 2018.