ALBANY - Steven Compas scanned the internet for a job, and a place to live.

Out of work since January. No computer at home. Where does he go? His local library.

"Half of my day is here looking for a job to be honest with you," he said. "And housing."

The best part? It's free. Library's offer free internet access. So popular at the Albany Public Library, there's a waiting list.

In the next room, something else that's free: a computer class. Over in the children's area? Free tutoring sessions, too. Proving that in this economy...your library card may be the most powerful card in your wallet.

"Our numbers are up at everyone of our locations," said Albany Public Library Interim Director Timothy Burke. "All of our material is circulating at a great rate. We have more people through the door."

And more people - getting movies.

"Oh, I love that it's for free. Everybody loves it when it's for free!" said Albany resident Rich Reedy, as he browsed the library's DVD section.

You can also see free movies on websites like www.Hulu.com.

And check this out...free stuff your fellow New Yorkers don't want. Sites like www.freecycle.org and www.craigslist.com have sections for stuff people are giving away.

But free stuff goes fast. By the time we got here a few hours after the ad was posted, there were just two computer monitors and a little table.

And finally, you don't have to stop eating out, when money's tight. Some restaurants offer free kid meals. At Denny's on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 4 o'clock: for every one adult meal, two kids eat free.

If you know where to find it, "free" is definitely affordable.