Area residents didn’t need an interest in books to appreciate the new Vidalia High School library at an open house Tuesday night.

The facility also has two science classrooms and a laboratory, which students were utilizing Tuesday night to prepare for a test Wednesday morning.

The lab has six work stations, a vent-a-hood for removing chemical fumes and an emergency shower.

The 6,300 square foot building — built at a cost of $1,688,977 — was funded by property tax dollars.

The school’s old library was converted into two separate classrooms. The addition was built to help alleviate overcrowding.

“We worked a lot of hours to make this aesthetically pleasing and still make it able to meet the growth needs,” Superintendent Kerry Laster said. “We’re so proud of it.”

The library houses between 8,000 and 9,000 books, and all new furniture — including 12 new computers — was bought at a cost of $37,000.

Students present said they are thrilled about the facility.

“I’m excited that we get to use it for our senior year,” Vidalia junior Amber Ables said. “I think that it will really help us.”

Junior Stephanie Roberts likes the new building for its environment.

“(The library) is my sanctuary,” she said. “It’s my favorite place in the school.”

At least one parent was pleased with the addition.

“It’s wonderful to see where it was 20 years ago and where it is now,” Vidalia High graduate and parent Liz Walker said. “It’s good to see the school grow and improve.”

“It was a good use of taxpayer money,” she said.

The building was set to open earlier in the academic year, but construction setback delayed its opening.

The building has been open for classes since April 2.