Border Access Change Sparks Uproar at Historic Haskell Library

A controversial change is coming to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a historic site perched directly atop the international border between the United States and Canada. The landmark, which has long been accessible from both sides of the border, is facing new restrictions following a unilateral decision by U.S. Border Patrol. For over 120 years, Canadians have been able to visit the library via the main entrance on the American side without needing to go through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection station. But now, that will change, forcing the library to make major adjustments. During a press conference on Friday, officials from the library and the town of Stanstead in Quebec expressed their opposition to the move. They argue that the decision threatens the long-standing cooperation between the two border communities. Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone said “We drink the same water, we share the same sewer plant. For decades, things that make sense. Without borders, you wouldn’t even know we are two separate communities.”