Despite super bookstores, video stores, health clubs, and home computers vying for attention, Americans continue to use their public libraries in record numbers, according to a new poll conducted by the Gallup Organization for the American Library Association (ALA).

The poll found 66% of Americans used a public library at least once in the last year - in person, by telephone or online. Sixty-five percent consulted a librarian. The findings were released at ALA's 117th annual conference held June 25 through July 1 in the nation's capital.

The number of library visitors - 64% - is up 13% since 1978. Most -81% - checked out a book. Fifty-one percent used reference materials; 5% read newspapers and magazines; 32% borrowed records, CDs or videos. Nineteen percent called the library for information.

Seventeen percent said they connected to the Internet - and 9% said they connected to the library online from their homes or offices. A large majority - 90% - said they believe libraries will continue to be a necessary service despite the growing availability of computers. Two out of 5 (40%) said they consider the library one of the most important tax supported services.

Slightly more women (53%) than men report using the library. The survey found the heaviest library use is by those ages 35-54 (43%). Thirty-five percent of library users are 18-34 and 22% over age 55. Of those who use libraries, 35% are college graduates, 34% had some college; and 31% had high school diplomas or less. Thirty-five percent have children and two-thirds of those say they take them to the library.

More than a quarter (26%) of the library users have incomes of $60,000 or more, 20% have incomes of $40,000-$60,000; and 29% have incomes of $20,000-$40,000. Fourteen percent have incomes of $20,000 or less.

The telephone survey, conducted in May 1998 for ALA by the Gallup Organization, was of a randomly selected national sample of 1,000 adults. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points.