Following more than 40 years at its present location, Holley's Community Free Library is experiencing growing pains.

"We are looking to make better use of the space we have," Library Director Karen Rosolowski said. "We have an upstairs that has never been utilized."

In order to utilize the second story of the library's 86 Public Square home, Rosolowski said it must be "shored up" and brought up to code. While there has been no date set for a public hearing on the proposed expansion, she said they are working on drawings for the project.

The use of the second floor of the building would require the installation of an elevator in addition to enclosed staircases. "If we don't have public support for this project, any type of fundraising activities we would attempt would be futile," she said.

Rosolowski said discussions have not progressed to the point yet where it has been determined whether the project would be put before the public as a separate bond proposal or if fundraisers would be able to support the construction costs.

"If this goes through, the public will end up paying some funds because of the on-going costs that would be associated with the expansion," she explained. "Our taxes would increase as would our utilities."

The library, which was established in 1947, had humble beginnings. For the first 10 years of its existence, the library existed in one room of the American Legion Building and subsisted on donated books.

"We have been in our present location for more than 40 years," Rosolowski said. "We just don't meet the state requirements for meeting room space."

With today's technology and the demand for meeting rooms and privacy issues, the need for an expanded library in the village is obvious. Last year, Holley's library began housing the books for the school's summer reading program. They are also host to a pre-school story hour, an adult writer's group and an adult reader's group.

"Right now we are in the midst of bar coding all of our books," she said, adding that the library still utilizes the old card catalog system. "Privacy issues demand the use of the computer for checking out books."

The need for newer, and more books, collections and periodicals also dictates the library's need for expansion. The Community Free Library is also a "hub" for individuals who "order" books through the library system. Holley is centrally located for many and it aids in their being able to pick up a book that has been ordered from a library either east, or west, of Holley.

"The residents of Holley will have to decide, at some point, whether they want their library to advance and keep up with technology," she said. "The library is a social place for kids and adults."