Written by Robert D. Dávila
Published Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 in the Sacramento Bee, Page 6B

Georgia Murray, a Folsom activist and lifelong lover of books who was an octogenarian when she led a campaign to open Folsom's first city-run library, has died at age 95.

She died Jan. 8 after breaking her hip in a fall, said her daughter, Dawn James.

Mrs. Murray helped found Friends of the Folsom Library after Sacramento County announced budget cuts would close its Folsom library branch in 1993. She quickly organized community support for a city-owned library in temporary space at a former fire station.

She had charm and moxie. She asked a Folsom Prison warden for inmates and persuaded a postmaster to lend a truck to help move books. It was a hot day, so she asked a supermarket manager to donate sodas for refreshments; when he agreed, she asked him also to throw in some snacks.

Mrs. Murray also spearheaded efforts to build a permanent facility. She spoke at community meetings and pushed City Council members as funding and building plans failed. She invited officials to her home for cookies and tea to argue politely but persistently over details of a modern library for the growing Sacramento suburb.

"She was always willing to listen to every side and had the nicest way of telling you that she disagreed with your opinion," City Councilwoman Kerri Howell said. "When she was done, you would walk over and give her a hug."

Mrs. Murray persevered and prevailed. In 2007, a $13 million, 24,000-square-foot Folsom Public Library opened in the new Georgia Murray Building in City Lions Park.
Although proud of the library, "she didn't really want them to name it after her because so many people had worked on it," her daughter said. "She didn't think it was right to take all the credit."

Mrs. Murray was dauntless for a good cause. While living in El Cerrito in the 1960s, she asked Frank Lloyd Wright to design a church for her congregation. After declining two invitations, he agreed at least to visit and stayed at her home. Although he ultimately said no, she enjoyed spending a weekend with the famous architect, touring the Bay Area.

Born in 1913 in Montpelier, Vt., Georgia Alberta Pape came from a family of forceful women. She wore a corset of wood and canvas and did exercises as a young girl to overcome paralysis from polio. In 1920, her mother organized a parade to the polls after women won the right to vote.

She married Charles Murray in 1932 and had two children. She built searchlights in a factory during World War II, ran a boutique in downtown Oakland in the 1960s and moved to Folsom in 1970. Her husband died in 1983.

Mrs. Murray volunteered at the Folsom library until she was 90 years old.

"She was first and foremost for the community," Folsom Mayor Steve Miklos said. "She would send me notes consistently thanking me for my service 'to my Folsom.' She always considered Folsom hers."