How to read file during module import?

[HigStar]

I have had trouble with the __file__ attribute in the past, when using
py2exe (i.e. on the windows platform) and using the bundle feature
(which zips all files).
Using os.path.realpath( __file__ ) resolves to something like .../
library.zip/packageName/fileName
Then when trying to perform an open on a file, say .../library.zip/
packageName/supportingPackageName, the file can not be found.