This paper deals with how people use public libraries. An attempt is made to distinguishbetween different user groups on the basis of how they use the library. The roles of thelibrary in relation to its users are also discussed.The paper is based on a user study with the cooperation of 195 users. The user studywas carried out at the Public Library of Alingsås 1994. As material for comparisonsimilar studies from Sweden, but even from Denmark, have been used. The user groupswere divided into different categories according to Geir Vestheim's study "Folkebiblioteki forvandling", 1992 [Public libraries in change].The paper brings forward that using the library and its stock on location is common inseveral of the user groups. This appears as a hidden utilization of the library in traditionalstatistical datas. Students on different levels are a growing group in the utilizationof the public libraries.