Border-straddling library inaugurates new Canadian entrance

A historic library straddling the Canada-U.S. border has officially opened a new entrance on the Canadian side, restoring direct access for its northern neighbors. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, located on the boundary between Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont, celebrated the inauguration of the new door on Wednesday.

This development comes after U.S. Customs and Border Protection ended a long-standing arrangement that permitted Canadians to enter the library from the U.S. side without undergoing passport control or customs inspections. The change was attributed to a rise in illicit cross-border activity and several incidents, including attempts to smuggle firearms, in and around the library.

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I’m very relieved. People are going to be able to enjoy the library without any problems.

Sylvie Boudreau, president of the library’s board of trustees, expressed relief, stating, “People are going to be able to enjoy the library without any problems.” The new entrance has been in use for approximately two months, with construction recently concluded. Canadian visitor Ruth Whitman shared her excitement, calling the new access point a testament to finding solutions.

The project, which cost around $700,000, included the new entrance, a sidewalk, parking, and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Funding came from donations and a GoFundMe campaign. The library, built in the early 1900s, was intentionally designed to be shared by residents of both countries, symbolizing unity and friendship across the international boundary.

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I’m super excited to use the Canadian door. This shows how we can always find solutions.