Larkspur’s new library nears completion

Larkspur has nearly finished construction on its new library.

The City Council received an update on the project’s progress at its meeting on Wednesday. The construction of the building, as well as the parking lot and new sidewalk on Rose Lane, are on schedule, according to city staff. The habitat garden planting is slightly behind schedule because of the weather.

The city expects the project will be completed by the middle of March.

“Most of the significant structure work, building envelope, siding, has been completed, and now we’re getting into the finishes of the building,” said Julian Skinner, director of public works.

The city has also finished installing the solar panels and electric charging stations for the site.

As part of the remaining work, the city needs to finish the building’s interior, conduct landscaping work like irrigating and add furniture and equipment.

“We’ll be hitting substantial completion pretty soon, probably sometime in the next three to four weeks,” Skinner said. “In theory, you can get a certificate of occupancy and that lets us start to move furniture in and do any of the stage moving of books from this library or new books that we’re going to bring in. And then probably about a month after that is final completion.”

The city will hold open the building preliminarily to ensure all the systems work properly before holding a ceremonial opening with a ribbon-cutting. The staff is still determining the dates.

The council approved the contract for the library construction in February 2024 and has approved a handful of changes and upgrades to the project over the years.

The project has cost about $19.7 million thus far in city funds, grants and donations. A donor has come forward with additional funding for a water feature at the commons area. The town is reviewing the plan.

The council meeting Wednesday included praise for the work to date.

“I think that once the library opens it’s going to be very exciting for our community,” said Mayor Stephanie Way.

“I was super excited to see the photo of the solar panels,” said Councilmember Sarah Margulies. “It looks great and I know the community is very eager to get access. And it’s a beautiful, beautiful building.”