The United States has announced new restrictions on Canadian access to the Haskell Free Library & Opera House, a unique institution that straddles the border between Derby Line, Vermont, and Stanstead, Quebec.
This decision comes in the wake of controversial comments made by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a recent visit.
During her visit to the library, Secretary Noem reportedly stood on the American side of the building, proclaiming “USA No. 1,” before stepping onto the Canadian side and referring to it as “the 51st state.” These remarks have been met with criticism from local residents, who value the library as a symbol of cross-border unity and cooperation.
In response, U.S. authorities have implemented a policy requiring all visitors entering the library from the Canadian side to first pass through U.S. customs. This move effectively ends the longstanding tradition of seamless access for Canadians and has raised concerns among community members about the future of this shared cultural space.
Sylvie Boudreau, president of the library’s board of trustees, expressed disappointment over the new restrictions, stating that the decision is “really sad” and could undermine the spirit of collaboration that the library has fostered for generations.
The Haskell Free Library & Opera House has long stood as a testament to the close ties between the United States and Canada, serving patrons from both countries without the need for border formalities. The recent changes have sparked discussions about the impact of political rhetoric on local communities and the importance of preserving shared cultural institutions.
As the situation develops, stakeholders on both sides of the border are urging diplomatic efforts to restore the library’s unique status and ensure that it continues to serve as a bridge between the two nations.
