After months of trying, the Citizens for Historic and Preservation Services (CHAPS) has purchased the old Carnegie Library in downtown Middletown for $17,000 after talking Lebanon Citizens National Bank down from $36,500. The building was built in 1913, designed by Hamilton architect George Barkman, and received additions in 1932 and 1959 before being retired in lieu of our current library on Broad St. in 1983. The building served briefly as a women's shelter, before being abandoned altogether.

Now, the building is in massive disrepair. The roof is crumbling, windows have been broken out, the grass is overgrown, and the building has been a constant victim of vandalism due to its vacancy. CHAPS has their work cut out for them. They say their first priority is repairing the roof, but they say it may be a couple of years before the building is habitable.