08/26/2026
In the heart of Castile, N.Y. on dozens of wooded acres with a stream running through it, sits the Cordelia A. Greene Library. Built as a library in 1902, the land was donated by, and the building subsequently named after, Dr. Cordelia A. Greene, a trailblazer who ran a sanitarium in Castile and a pioneer in the women’s rights movement.
In 2001, an addition was built on the back side of the library that today serves as the children’s area, filled with books and interactive activities with two-story windows overlooking the woods.
“This town can be both busy and very quiet,” said Marah Smith, Library Director of Cordelia A. Greene Library and lifelong resident of Castile. “We might go through weeks where we have a low turnout, but then we have others where so many people come here, work, sit at the tables, or parents bring their kids and have play dates here.”
Marah, who grew up going to this very library, recalls childhood story times with former Library Director and current Wyoming Foundation Council member Jacquie Swaby. She describes her role now as a full circle moment and loves working in the center of everything on Main Street, and supporting local businesses, whether through purchasing food for events, or gift cards as prizes.
To continue the library’s efforts to serve the residents of Castile and beyond, the library has a long history of support from the Wyoming Foundation. ”The Wyoming Foundation gave our library its first grant partnership,” Marah noted. “And over the years, it’s been used to help develop our family programming, which includes everything from prehistoric-themed events to live music and puppet shows.”
The most recent grant, awarded in 2026, will help the library expand its programming even further to include opportunities for adults through its “Community Connections: Adult & Family Programming initiative.”
“These funds will have a meaningful impact on our community by helping us continue to provide engaging, accessible programs that bring people together, encourage lifelong learning, and strengthen connections among residents of all ages,” said Marah. “We really appreciate the Wyoming Foundation's commitment to investing in the communities it serves.”
