New Larkspur library to begin construction in 2025

The Commons Foundation (TCF), a nonprofit with a charter to raise funds to build, fund and sustain a new modern library in Larkspur, has announced it will officially start the construction of the new Larkspur Library in early 2025. TCF held a ceremony to commemorate the official groundbreaking of the Larkspur Library on October 26. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by special guests and community leaders, including Marin County Supervisor Katie Rice and Larkspur Mayor Scot Candell.

TCF was started in 2016 by local citizens to raise money for a new library in Larkspur. The TCF board, which is made up of local volunteers, has made broad outreach efforts to build community support, create design ideas, and raise funds for the new library. This effort has resulted in private donations from over 400 residents willing to invest in a vital community asset.

Thanks to the overwhelming support of private donors, and a matching grant from the State of California, TCF was able to provide most of the funding for the $16 million project. This successful public-private partnership was instrumental in bringing the project to life.

“When I was on the Larkspur City Council in 2018, we thought the fundraising for this project would take over 10 years. What TCF and our generous community have done is truly amazing – it’s one of the largest and most successful public-private fundraising success stories in Marin history,” said Ann Morrison, former Larkspur mayor, and current TCF president.

“Much credit goes to our founder, Joe Jennings and his team, who started blazing the path. Lastly, many thanks to our extremely generous donors, many of whom are choosing to name rooms or important items for their loved ones and families. Clearly, our community loves a local library,” added Morrison. 

New Larkspur Library

The Larkspur Library will be located at The Commons, a 2.39-acre vacant site owned by the City of Larkspur. The new 8,970-square-foot single-story library will also include landscaping, grading, a 32-vehicle parking lot, and new wood fencing on the east property line.

Construction of the new Larkspur Library is set to begin this winter. The design build team includes Alten Construction and Noll & Tam Architects. Kitchell will provide project management. Construction will be completed in 2025 and the library is scheduled to open to the public in early 2026.

To learn more about the new Larkspur Library, please visit www.thecommonsatlarkspur.org.