Haskell finds solution to maintain Canadian access after US decision

DERBY LINE — The Haskell Free Library is scrambling to create a new entrance for Canadian visitors after U.S. authorities unilaterally closed the main access point, local officials announced Friday.

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, which sits directly on the international boundary between Stanstead, Quebec and Derby Line, Vermont, has long been celebrated as a symbol of cross-border cooperation. Now, it faces what officials describe as an unnecessary challenge to its mission of connecting communities.

“Without borders, you wouldn’t even know we are two separate communities,” Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone said during a press conference held near the historic building on Friday. “Today’s announcement doesn’t make sense to me. It’s been more than 100 years since there was a non-written agreement that allowed Canadians to have access to the library through this route.”

The building, where visitors can freely cross between countries inside without passing through customs, has operated under special arrangements since its founding in 1901. A black line runs through the building marking the international boundary.

Library officials say they’ve already begun work on creating a Canadian-only entrance that will cost an estimated $100,000 or more. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover expenses for the new entrance, which will include a parking lot with accessible spots, mobility access ramps, and proper building access.

“We will have an entry on the Canadian side that will allow members, visitors, school groups, everyone who wants to come, who do not have a passport, who do not want to go to the U.S. customs to be able to enter,” explained Sylvie Boudreau, President of the Haskell Library and Opera House.

Officials were quick to dispel rumors about how the changes would affect operations inside the library.

“For us, inside the library, despite this closure, it’s business as usual,” Boudreau emphasized. “Some people are saying that when you’re going to come in from the Canadian side, you won’t be able to talk to Americans inside the library. Come on. It’s impossible.”

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, called the U.S. decision “sad” and noted it came during her final official event after 10 years in federal politics.

“Even though this news makes absolutely no sense, it will not undermine the wonderful relationship between our two communities,” Bibeau said, adding that the Canadian government is exploring ways to support the library.

According to a fact sheet distributed at the press conference, Canadians with valid Haskell Free Library membership cards can continue using the front door in the U.S. from March 24 through September 30. Those without cards will need to use the new Canadian entrance, which is currently under renovation.

Officials described various cross-border activities that have flourished in the area, including “Border Hoops” basketball for children from both countries, hockey at the Pat Burns Arena, and even shared municipal infrastructure.

“We drink the same water, we share the same sewer plant, things we’ve done and we’ve been doing for decades, things that make sense,” Stone explained.

The library’s mission statement describes it as “an international dynamic nonprofit organization of historical importance” offering library services and cultural performances while “sitting directly on the Canadian and American border serving surrounding communities.”

Officials stressed that while the U.S. decision was disappointing, they remain committed to the library’s future.

“We refuse to let a border divide what history has built together,” the fundraising campaign states.