Not long ago, public libraries in Virginia were not so public. It would take the courage of a young African-American woman, Josie C. Murray, to challenge that. Closed doors had surrounded Josie's entire childhood. But in 1957, when she was denied the ability to check out a book from her local library because of her skin color, Josie took action. With the help of a lawyer, and even President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Josie became a catalyst for all public buildings in Virginia to desegregate.
Not long ago, public libraries in Virginia were not so public. It would take the courage of a young African-American woman, Josie C. Murray, to challenge that. Closed doors had surrounded Josie's entire childhood. But in 1957, when she was denied the ability to check out a book from her local library because of her skin color, Josie took action. With the help of a lawyer, and even President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Josie became a catalyst for all public buildings in Virginia to desegregate.
Today, all public libraries in the United States are open to everyone. But that wasnât always the case, as readers discover in this compelling story about Josie Murray and how she took on Jim Crow Laws, racial discrimination, and segregation and opened doors for not only herself but also for countless others in the process.
Itâs a hot summer day. Young Josie and her grandmother decide to get ice cream at a restaurant in Virginia. But theyâre halted by a Whites Only sign and must get their frozen treats from the take-out window.
Later, in the summer of 1933, itâs time to go back to school. Although sheâs old enough for high school, Josie goes to Grandma Lena Mamaâs house instead. The local high school doesnât allow students of color to attend. When Josie expresses an interest in sewing, Lena Mama teaches her everything she knows on the subject. Josie is soon doing dress alterations for customers of every skin color. Josieâs reputation and business grows. She marries Sam Murray and becomes Josie Murray. Josie and her husband open an upholstery/sewing shop.
Fast forward to 1956. A customer requests a particular design, suggesting Josie can find the pattern at the local library. But that door is also closed to Josie. Just like the restaurant and the high school. Josie is determined to go to the library and get the pattern she needs, even though âthe Purcellville Library doesnât allow Negroes inside.â
Josieâs customer, Mrs. Moore, makes a call. The recipient of the phone call agrees that Josie should be able to check out any library book she wants. (Iâd tell you who Mrs. Moore called, but that would give too much away. So youâll have to read the book yourself to find that out.)
Josie decides to get a lawyer. Â She files suit. Her lawyers discovers that the town library is a public library and receives federal funds. And if the public library continues to bar non-whites, it can lose its federal funding. But the library board canât agree on a decision. So the whites only policy remains. Josie and Sam continue to fight. In 1957, the library officially opens to everyone.
And Josie Murray is invited to the White House.
This is a great story about perseverance and courage in the face of gross injustice. It moves quickly and includes colorful illustrations that reinforce and enhance the text.
The whole book is less than thirty pages, including Author Sources. But donât let that fool you. It opens a door on an important historical event and skillfully digs into the issues, background, and personalities in play. Itâs a masterful blend of expository and journalistic styles with a tone thatâs positive and upbeat overall. Itâll make you want to stand up and cheer when Jose wins.
Additionally, the Author Notes âtucks in the tailâ and rounds out Josieâs story. It explains, âJosie and Sam Murrayâs actions against the Purcellville Town Library fueled the cause for desegregating all public buildings in the state of Virginia. In 1962, Loudoun Valley High School opened in Purcellville, and three African-American students enrolled. It was the first time that students of different races attended school together.â
This is a strong story about a story woman. It's a keeper!