The idea of constructing a public community building in Larkspur has been in the works for nearly three to four decades. After years of eager anticipation, a brand-new library and community center will soon take shape on Rose Lane. The city of Larkspur is preparing to construct this contemporary library with even more facilities than the current library in downtown Larkspur. 

Kathy Green, a member of the board of the Larkspur Commons Foundation, is one of the main people responsible for the construction of the new building.

“There will be attractive landscaped grounds so people can use the outdoor space [containing] tables, … resistant landscape and hopefully some sort of water feature,” Green said.

The existing library located on Magnolia Street lacks a dedicated community center for public gatherings. Currently, meeting spaces in the area are either privately owned or require payments. Therefore, many people, including Green, saw a need to relocate the library from its current location.

“Community involvement and gatherings are [important] to me. Healthy communities have places where people of all ages and all types can interact freely,” Green said.

Many individuals made significant efforts to bring this idea to fruition but were unsuccessful. However,

when the Larkspur Commons property became available for development, multiple groups joined together to revive the idea of creating a public building. Green was part of a citizen’s group that was tasked with determining the best use for the land. She dedicated several years of work to conducting exhaustive meetings and engaging with the public to gather input on the community’s hopes and wishes. 

Junior Brennan Woodley frequently uses the Redwood Library and is excited to see his desires shine in the new library being built.

“Having a library that isn’t connected to school will be very convenient. I’m excited to have a community space where I can do my homework in a peaceful environment,” Woodley said. 

The start date for construction is uncertain but could potentially begin by the end of December, which involves burying electrical and sewer lines. According to the current grant guidelines, the project must be completed by the end of 2025. 

Junior Erin Taylor, a Larkspur resident, explained her excitement in seeing the building come to life. 

“This Larkspur Commons lot has been empty for so long. I’m looking forward to [seeing] how this building will come together; it’s going to be a great community space,” Taylor said.

Libraries inherently serve as community hubs, offering open spaces where anyone can enter, read, use a computer, engage in conversation and more. They are inclusive and freely accessible, and by locating this library so conveniently near campus, students could benefit greatly from its availability. 

“A big public project requires a lot of people [with a] vision over time and we [have those people],” Green said.