A new survey from The Pew Research Center shows an overwhelming majority of parents feel libraries are important for their children (94 percent). Eighty-one percent of parents say libraries provide information and resources not available at home.

Seventy percent of parents say their kids visited a library in the past year. Of those who visited: 87 percent borrowed books, 55 percent did schoolwork, 46 percent borrowed DVDs or CDs, 46 percent attended an event, 37 percent used the Internet and 37 percent socialized with friends.

The survey also found that parents are more likely to utilize the library than nonparents (64 percent of parents versus 49 percent). And mothers, in particular, have a strong connection with libraries: They are more likely to have a library card, to visit the library and to use library services than dads.

Parents with lower incomes are also more likely to call certain library services very important, including having a librarian on hand to help, having free access to computers, and offering events and activities.