DERBY LINE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say a rise in illegal cross-border activity prompted their decision to restrict access to the Haskell Free Library, a move that has sparked concern in communities on both sides of the international boundary.
CBP released a statement Friday outlining its rationale for changing longstanding access procedures at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, which sits directly on the border between Derby Line, Vermont and Stanstead, Quebec.
“Due to the library’s location, and convenience of local populations, CBP has allowed customers of the library to access its sidewalk, without inspection, for decades,” a statement issued by CBP reads. “However, during that time, this area has witnessed a continued rise in illicit cross border activity. In keeping with CBP’s goal of 100 percent border security, the following phased approach will be enacted to ensure that all persons entering the United States are admissible.”
The century-old library has long operated under special arrangements due to its unique position straddling the international boundary. A black line runs through the interior of the building marking the border, and visitors have traditionally been able to move freely between countries within the library without passing through customs.
Under CBP’s new “phased approach,” visitors from Canada who are not library members will be redirected to the nearest port of entry, approximately a three-minute walk from the library. Library members can continue using the sidewalk entrance until October 1, 2025, provided they show proof of membership.
“The goal of this phased rollout is to provide members the opportunity to obtain the necessary travel documentation without negatively impacting library operations,” the CBP statement explained.
After October 1, 2025, all visitors from Canada wishing to use the front entrance will be required to present themselves at a port of entry before entering the library from the United States.
The agency stated there will be exceptions “as not to impact safety, security, and education.” These include law enforcement, medical personnel, firefighters, mail and package delivery workers, “official workers,” school visits with advance notice to CBP, and individuals with disabilities.
The announcement has prompted a strong response from Canadian officials and community members. At a press conference near the library on Friday, Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone expressed frustration with the decision.
“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, a way of doing things that worked,” Stone said. “Very few problems have been solved by this way of doing things, a testament to the cooperation and friendship of our two countries.”
In response to the CBP decision, library officials are creating a new entrance on the Canadian side of the building, using what was previously an emergency exit. The library estimates the modifications will cost at least $100,000.
“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,” Sylvie Boudreau, President of the Haskell Library and Opera House, explained.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the expenses for the new entrance.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, noted during Friday’s press conference that the Canadian government is exploring ways to support the library. She described the Haskell as “a testament of the amazing relationship forged over generations between our two communities.”
Despite the access changes, library officials stressed that operations inside the building will continue as normal, with no separation between American and Canadian visitors once inside.
“Inside the library is business as usual,” Boudreau emphasized, addressing rumors that patrons would be restricted from crossing the international line that runs through the building’s interior.
