There's cheap and then there's free.

I'm beginning to believe that it pays (in many ways) to travel light. Use what is needed, leave the rest. Lighten your load. The part of your load about which I speak this day is your media.

We all read, and watch, and listen to books, and movies, and music. We do this for many reasons. Self improvement, relaxation, education, inspiration, escape. Whatever your reason, it's easy to let the costs of these hobbies get away from you. Renting adds up (for movies). Buying adds up even faster (for any sort of media).

I've got some great news.

I know a place where you can get free movies, free music, and free books. All you need is a proof of address, identification, and an awareness and ability to respect due dates. Seriously. The New York Public Library.

They have a huge and constantly updated supply of books, music, and media right up to completely new and a lot of the Criterion Collection of movies. If what you want is not immediately available, just add it to your hold list and when it is, they will send it to the library of your choice and notify you by email or phone.

Particularly with the DVDs, you have to watch the due date. They charge $3 per day if you are late in returning, however if your movie is not on hold, you can simply renew it in your online account without even casting a shadow on the door of your local branch.

Right now I'm having a couple of trade paperbacks (comics) for subway reading and my wife and I are watching "I Love Lucy" season two.

Get your passport to an adventure of the mind. It's a link to get a Library Card, just in case I was too vague.

All the best.