A vote to expand Guilderland's public library could shrink taxpayers' wallets. As YNN’s Erin Vannella reports, library officials say the increase is important to grow the library.

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GUILDERLAND, N.Y. -- “My grandma put a bug in my ear and she was like, we're going to be paying more taxes and I know she can afford to, but I don't think she wants to,” Nicole Handron said.

Library patrons in Guilderland are being asked to vote to expand their Western Avenue branch to make room for the future.

“The circulation has more than tripled. Attendance at programs has increased. Programs have increased 400 percent. Attendance at programs has increased 1,000 percent,” said Library Foundation attorney Robert Ganz.

Library Foundation Attorney Robert Ganz says now is the time to grow. What's available to visitors is less than what library officials say they deserve

Ganz said, “In the children's area, the books are so tightly packed into the shelves that you can hardly pull them out. We have community rooms where community groups can meet. You have to wait three months to be able to reserve a room.”

But changes would bring an estimated 26 percent tax hike, or as Ganz puts it, $55 a year for the average household. Some library patrons say that's too much.

“This is the best library around,” Handron said, “There's a million books. There's a ton of things for kids to do. I don't think there's anything wrong with it right now.”

“In the summer, they have plenty of space with their beautiful brick patio in the back. And their reading room is fine. I’ve been bringing my children here for many years for story time,” Jennifer Mandato said.

Others say it's money well spent.

“Well the library can always stand to get bigger,” said Erica Higgins-Webster. “They're going to have a quiet room for the children which I’m sure the rest of the library patrons will appreciate.”

Polls are open noon to nine at all Guilderland elementary schools.