One of the best morale/entertainment values out there are the public libraries. I have been told by local librarians that in many library systems even people living outside the district can qualify to use the library by simply asking, explaining your intent, and registering. My library district allows transients, homeless persons, and people with no fixed address to get a library card and make use of the system.

In addition to the expected books the library has video tapes, DVDs, and computer programs on CD. Within branch libraries you have free computers hooked to a high-speed internet connection. In the library system you can set up a free e-mail account. Many branches also have open Wi-Fi connection so you can connects to the internet if you bring your laptop. An acquaintance drives his van near the local library branch and parks for hours to use their connection.

Also the librarians themselves are often a good resource. When they have the time many of them seem to quite enjoy researching obscure bits of information. It is kind of like having your own staff of researchers.