WASHINGTON – The lines at America’s public libraries are long and expected to get longer, not for books or videos, but for the Internet.

Only 17 percent of libraries say they have enough computers to handle patrons’ demands at all times, according to a report released Tuesday by the American Library Association. This despite branches adding more computers, expanding online services and installing wireless capability for patrons who bring in their laptops.

Among other findings from the Libraries Connect Communities report:

• The average library branch offers patrons 12 Internet-accessible computers, nearly half of which are more than 4 years old. Florida and Arizona offer the most, with more than 20 each.

• Almost 73 percent of libraries report they are the only source of free Internet access in their communities.

• Two-thirds of libraries offer wireless Internet service for patrons who bring in their own laptops.

• Nine of 10 libraries set time limits – often an hour or 90 minutes – on computer usage because demand is so great.

Job searches, research for school projects and connecting with friends on social networking sites are among the most common reasons customers use library computers, patrons and librarians say.

Some had predicted the Internet would render libraries obsolete by allowing people to retrieve information without leaving their home. Instead, library usage surged in recent years as people recognized free Internet access as an attractive bargain.

Gannett News Service reported in July that libraries across the country recorded 1.3 billion visits in 2005-06, a 10 percent increase over 2001-02. Experts say computers are fueling the increase and that library traffic tends to rise when the economy sours and people rely more on public services.

“Libraries are really technology hubs as opposed to what people might have thought of them,” said Larra Clark, who edited the American Library Association’s report.

Libraries in South Carolina, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio and California reported the biggest crunch for computer access, according to the report. Nationally, 56 percent of libraries surveyed said they had no plans to add computers within the next year, either because they don’t have the space or the money.

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