All those town residents behind the 400,000 library visits must be on to something. This week, hearing that the Milford Town Library is now recording that number of visits a year, and counting, we decided to investigate what is available for free at the library. All that is required to take advantage of these suggestions is a valid library card.  1 Freebie One:  Unlike many libraries, Milford Town Library allows its patrons to check out popular magazines for one week. The only caveat is you can't take the current issue. But back issues are available and ready. The library has popular titles, …

A car wash isn't a necessity, it's a nicety. But nothing beats a car that sparkles, even when you're on a low budget. And no one is on a tighter budget than the unemployed. This is why our Frugal Family choice of the week is Friendly Car Wash. Their marquee lured us in, even as it made us smile: A free wash this week for anyone who is unemployed. If you're jobless, the least of your worries may be a dirty car, but it's nice to know the community cares. And that's the point, said Mike Sheehan, a co-owner. He tries to make his weekly specials focused on different communities. A few weeks ago, …

"Frugal Family" is a weekly column that aims to find you local deals. In this economy, every dollar counts. We aim to save you a few. In addition, we welcome your own advice for finding bargains—if there are any you'd like to share, simply do so at the bottom of this article in the comment section. This week, we focus on what you can find around town, for $1. As a teacher, I became a fan of dollar stores and discount aisles. If I had to supply my classroom with various necessities, including what seemed like a never-ending supply of No. 2 pencils, I would do it as cheaply as possible. I'm not…

This week, sensing a bargain, I checked out the Freihofer Outlet store, which sells Thomas, Entenmann's and other bread products. This is what I found: Deal: Thomas original English muffins, three for $3 or $1.25 each. Deal: Entenmann's baked goods, including Devil's Food Cake and Soft'ees 12 variety donuts, three packages for $3 or $1.25 each. Deal: Austin cheese crackers, four packages for $1. Good Through: Each of these was the "Manager's Special" which changes daily. Note: the products are sold before their expiration dates, but sometimes the window is a few days. Saturday is apparently …

"Frugal Family" is a weekly column that aims to find you local deals. In this economy, every dollar counts. We aim to save you a few. In addition, we welcome your own advice for finding bargains—if there are any you'd like to share, simply do so at the bottom of this article in the comment section. Although Easter is yet a month away, many stores are filling several aisles with goodies for the children's baskets, and tempting anyone with a sweet tooth. Many more stores are selling Easter candy and basket fillers than we've noted below, but these five merchants offer a range of choices. In …

Are you pinching pennies, or do you simply like a good deal? Then you've come to the right place. In our continuing series on great deals, today we consider fresh produce, such as green cabbage. Cabbage only gets its star moment on St. Patrick's Day, but it's a nutritious choice for the winter table. Here are some weekly bargains on cabbage, carrots and other oft-boiled vegetables: 1.  Shaw's Deal: Cabbage is on sale at 39 cents a pound. Yellow turnips are on sale for 69 cents a pound. For these prices, shoppers must use the store's free discount card. Good Through: Thursday 2. Stop & Shop …

With gas prices going up, you're probably looking for savings wherever you can find it. Here are our suggestions this week for local deals. Have you spotted any deals around town that you'd like to share? Post your suggestions and advice in the comments.  Remember to check with the merchant or venue for additional conditions:  1. PIZZA PALACE Deal: Two large cheese pizzas for $14.99, with coupon available on the restaurant's website. Good through: June 3 2. BIG LOTS Deal: Colgate 7.6 ounce Total Enamel Strength toothpaste, $2.  Good through: This week 3. STOP & SHOP Deal: Fresh strawberries (…

"Frugal Family" is a weekly column that aims to find you local deals. In this economy, every dollar counts. We aim to save you a few. In addition, we welcome your own advice for finding bargains—if there are any you'd like to share, simply do so at the bottom of this article in the comment section. This week, we've featured deals for dining, tanning and grill-shopping (yes, cookout season is just around the corner!) Remember to check with the merchant or venue for additional conditions:  1. PiNZ Deal: Half-price burgers every Monday. Good through: Ongoing on Mondays 2. PANERA BREAD Deal: Sign…

"Frugal Family," is a weekly column through which Patch helps you find local deals. In this economy, every dollar counts. We aim to save you a few. In addition, we welcome your own advice for finding bargains—if there are any you'd like to share, simply do so at the bottom of this article in the comment section. Remember to check with the merchant or venue for additional conditions:  1. PUMP N' PLAY PLAYROUND AT JOHN SMITH SPORTS CENTER Deal: Admission for this inflatable play area is $5 for members and $7 for non-members, and includes all-day play in the Zig Zag Zone, as well. Hours are …

Today, Milford Patch is introducing "Frugal Family," a weekly column that aims to find you local deals. In this economy, every dollar counts. We aim to save you a few. In addition, we welcome your own advice for finding bargains—if there are any you'd like to share, simply do so at the bottom of this article in the comment section. Remember to check with the merchant or venue for additional conditions:  1. CENTRAL STREET RESALE—A CONSIGNMENT SHOP Deal: Where do we begin. Have you been in this place? The inventory is always changing and you can get clothing, art and household decorations for …