VIDALIA — When John Taylor’s wife, Amanda, began working at the Concordia Parish Library 35 years ago, it also meant he would become familiar with the library.

When The Dart landed on Texas Street in Vidalia Wednesday, John Taylor was reading his newspaper at the local library.

John said he has visited the library at least once a week since his wife has been working there as the library director, and he has gotten a lot of reading done during that time.

“I usually read the newspaper because they carry several different publications,” he said. “I also read the magazines and use their computer services. I like Sports Illustrated, People and I’ll read National Geographic from time to time.

“I like a lot of David Baldacci and Tom Clancy novels as well.”

With the thousands of hours Taylor has spent in the library, he has also been there through the ups and downs of the library.

“It has had a lot of changes in that time, this is a new facility here,” Taylor said. “My wife has been involved in renovations in this building, and I’ve been following that with her.”

Some of the renovations include a new carpet, new furnishings and necessary wirings alongside a permanent computer lab, a small conference room and a study room that all should be complete by early 2014.

Before Taylor knew it, the library wasn’t just his wife’s job, it was a big part of their lives.

“It’s like a child to my wife, and I guess it would be to me, too,” he said. “We watched it grow and get better over the years.”

Taylor said he hopes the library keeps progressing and community members get involved with it.

“I hope they can continue having their programs in the community,” he said. “They’ve been having music programs that are well attended and have quality performances.”

As Taylor gets comfy in his usual spot to read the paper or a best-selling novel, he will continue to support his wife and her strides to make the library bigger and better.