While waiting, they use the computers to play games and write school papers. They do homework. And they sit around the tables and talk. About the only thing missing from this picture is books.
The library has plenty of them - nearly 25,000 at last count. But this day, the aisles are nearly empty of browsers. And circulation - the number of books and videos checked out by readers - is low.
``That worries me,'' says Eddy. ``It worries me because it's my job, and reading is important. We want all of our patrons to read more.''
While some branches report strong book use, many more report disappointing figures. And overall, the 52-library Philadelphia system falls below the state average in book circulation - in a state that ranks 39th nationally in circulation.
It's not because of money or a shortage of books. The Free Library is one of the best-funded libraries in Pennsylvania. It receives solid financing from the city. And under its savvy president, Elliot L. Shelkrot, it has developed a highly successful fund-raising program.
In 1994, the most recent year for which comparative national data were available, the Free Library spent $31.69 for each of the city's 1,585,577 residents. That was 59 percent more than the national average of $19.93 per capita, and 117 percent more than the state average of $14.58.
``There is a long tradition of public library services in Philadelphia,'' said Shelkrot, who took over as head of the sprawling system in 1987. ``Not just that the library is over 100 years old. There is a real sense of . . . the library being important to people.''
Shelkrot gives credit to city officials for providing a stable funding base. In 1996, the city accounted for $42.5 million - or 79 percent - of the library's $54 million budget.
