With its beginnings in 1872 in Moodus, when residents shared books placed in individual homes, the East Haddam Free Public Library was built and established in 1920 with a modest 1,300 books. Today, the focus is on creative, innovative projects and services for adults and families, as well as a partnership with the Rathbun Memorial Library across town, supported by a small but vital Friends organization. The electronic catalogues of Middlesex County libraries and interlibrary loan statewide are easily accessed from 15 public computers. The children's area on the lower level is kid-friendly with books, musical CDs, toys and puzzles; and the adult section contains classics, magazines, audiobooks, bestsellers and new titles, films and CDs.