The public library in the Clarke County town of Murray was organized in April 1935 by resident Leila Kane. Kane worked with local organizations to create plans and secure funds to setup the library, which opened in the IOOF building with a collection of 35 books. The Murray Lions Club played a significant role in growing the library by collecting 1,000 books in a book drive then providing space in their building, where the library remained until the early 1970s. The library then moved to its current location, sharing space with the community center.