U.S. Blocks Canadian Access to Border-Straddling Haskell Library

The U.S. government has cut off direct Canadian access to the Haskell Library and Opera House, a unique heritage building straddling the Quebec-Vermont border. This decision, described as unilateral by local leaders, is drawing concern on both sides of the border.

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House sits on the U.S.–Canada border, connecting Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont. **(Photo via Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)**

For over a century, Canadians from Stanstead, Quebec, were allowed to enter the library—located in Derby Line, Vermont—without passing through a formal border checkpoint. That exception is now over.

What Is the Haskell Free Library?

Built in 1904, the library was designed to serve residents of both Canada and the United States. Its structure physically spans the international border, with:

The entrance in the U.S.
A reading room in Canada
A border line marked across the floor

Recognized as a heritage site in both countries, the library functioned as a neutral space. Visitors were allowed to enter under supervision, provided they returned to their own country after their visit.

Why Has Access Been Restricted?

U.S. officials have not released a formal statement. However, the library board and the Town of Stanstead confirmed the move during a March 21 news release and press event.

Sylvie Boudreau, president of the board of trustees, told Radio-Canada:

“This is history in the making; it had been open for over 100 years.”

A press release from the library said the closure:

“Compromises Canadians’ access” to a cross-border symbol
“Weakens cross-border collaboration”

The town of Stanstead, along with federal MP Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Mayor Jody Stone, addressed the public Friday. Representatives from the United States also attended.

Security and Monitoring Until Now

Before the closure, a special agreement allowed Canadians to cross into the U.S. to visit the library without customs processing. Security was handled jointly by:

U.S. Border Patrol
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

These agencies were authorized to check IDs and search bags. This arrangement kept the building secure while maintaining open access.

Context Behind the Decision

The closure follows recent political tensions. During a visit earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem referred to Canada as “the 51st state.” Her remarks drew criticism from local leaders, with Boudreau calling the comment shocking.

Although there’s no official link between the statement and the closure, the timeline has raised questions in both communities.

Impact on Local Residents and Cross-Border Ties

The Haskell Library has long been more than a reading space. It represented:

A rare example of binational cooperation
A cultural and historical link between two communities
A shared gathering place in an increasingly divided border region

Stanstead and Derby Line share roads, families, and businesses. This move further separates communities already impacted by tighter border controls over the past two decades.

What’s Next?

Local leaders are urging the U.S. government to reconsider the decision. Discussions are ongoing, but access remains restricted as of now.

Public officials and library staff say they will continue advocating for a solution that respects both heritage and security.

The closure of Canadian access to the Haskell Free Library ends a long-standing symbol of cross-border goodwill. As local leaders seek answers, the decision highlights how political shifts can affect even the most established forms of collaboration.

Canadians currently must now enter the U.S. through official border checkpoints to visit the library.

For updates, follow the Town of Stanstead’s official channels and the library’s board communications.

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