Greene was deeply moved and replied that nothing would please her more than to see her townspeople enjoying the privilege of a free library.

[2] The Cordelia A. Greene Library formally opened on March 9, 1897,[3][2][a] with Frances Willard presiding at the ceremony.

[5] It was housed temporarily in one half of the first floor of the town hall,[6] for the permanent use of which Greene paid US$1,000.

[4] In July 1898, it was incorporated under the laws of the state and was legally known as the "Cordelia A. Greene Library of Castile, New York".

[2] A sealed copper box, containing a history of the library association, as well as valuable papers and records, were placed in the stone by Greene.

The one-story building was constructed of red brick, and laid in colored mortar, with blue stone trimmings.

Greene spent hundreds of dollars beautifying the grounds with lawns, ponds, and a fountain, and provided a boat for children.