Border library officially opens Canadian entrance after checkpoint ends

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, an early-1900s building intentionally constructed on the international boundary between Stanstead, Quebec and Derby Line, Vermont, officially inaugurated a new Canadian entrance Wednesday.

For a century, the library operated under a unique arrangement: Canadians could enter from the American side without a passport or customs inspection. Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection ended that agreement, citing a rise in illicit cross-border activity and several incidents around the building—including an attempt to smuggle firearms.

The new entrance on the Canadian side solves the access problem. The project, which cost about $700,000, includes a new doorway, sidewalk, parking lot, and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Roughly half the funding came from donations and a GoFundMe campaign.

"I'm very relieved. People are going to be able to enjoy the library without any problems," said Sylvie Boudreau, president of the library's board of trustees. She noted the entrance had already been in use for about two months, though construction was only recently completed.

Visitor Ruth Whitman welcomed the new access point: "I'm super excited to use the Canadian door. This shows how we can always find solutions."

The building's original design—straddling the border—was meant to symbolize unity between the two countries. Boudreau described it as representing "how there are no divisions between the two communities and the two countries."