Just over half of adults (52%) say it is more important for children to learn to do research using the internet than libraries. A recent Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 38% disagree and say learning library research is more important.

Most senior citizens (56%) say it is more important for children to learn how to research in a library. However, those under 65 say it is more important to focus children on internet research.

The survey also found that more Americans used a wireless hotspot than visited a public library within the last month. There is a generational issue here as well. Seniors are more likely to have spent time at the library. But, the generational divide reaches even deeper as half of those under 30 have used a wireless hotspot recently. Among those between 40 and 65, more than a third say they have never used a wireless hotspot before.

Despite those numbers, the majority of adults (62%) believe public libraries will still be relevant in 25 years. Only 22% disagree. Libraries serve a variety of purposes today including letting visitors borrow music and movies.

But, reading is still a popular form of entertainment. Over half of adults (58%) report reading a book for pleasure recently. Seventy-nine percent (79%) say they have read a book in the past six months. A survey conducted in May 2006 [link] found that 69% of adults said they had read a book recently.

More women (66%) than men (50%) said they have read a book for pleasure very recently.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.