U.S. officials declared on Friday their intent to limit Canadians' access to a cross-border library, prompting objections from inhabitants of a Quebec community accustomed to freely entering this area.
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, located at the border between Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont, has served as an emblem of transboundary cooperation and a gathering spot for divided kin. Although the main entryway faces Vermont, Canadians could formerly access it via the walkway leading to the U.S. entrance, assuming they had proper identification, as stated on the facility’s official site.
As per the updated regulations, Canadians must now pass through an official border checkpoint when entering. Up until October 1st, library patrons can still use the pathway upon presenting their membership card as well as confirmation from a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) representative. Following this deadline, every visitor coming from Canada has to access via a designated entry point, except those who are part of educational tours or have specific mobility issues.
Following suit, Stanstead township released a statement on Thursday saying, "The shutdown not only hinders Canadians' ability to visit an emblematic site representing unity and amity between both nations but also undermines the ethos of interborder partnership that characterizes this renowned spot."
The relationship between the United States and Canada, which were once steadfast allies, has grown tense recently. The situation worsened following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to make Canada America’s 51st state and his imposition of tariffs.
CBP authorities defended the stringent measures by invoking security reasons, mentioning "a persistent increase in unlawful cross-border actions" in the region. Nevertheless, they didn’t clarify what these activities entailed. According to figures provided by CBP itself, illegal entries near the library seem to be less frequent this year; only 21 individuals were caught up until now during the 2025 fiscal period as opposed to the total of 147 detentions recorded throughout the entire previous fiscal year, which was 2024.
Associated Stories USA: Trump withdraws temporary legal standing from more than 500,000 immigrantsUSA: Colombia University yields to Trump’s requirements following threat to cut fundingNigeria and Canada ink a bilateral air services pactAccording to a statement made to Reuters by a representative from the Department of Homeland Security, the choice was driven by worries about drugs. The statement explained, "Criminals like drug traffickers and smugglers took advantage of the situation where Canadians could enter the U.S. without passing through customs. To stop this criminal activity and safeguard Americans, we are putting an end to these exploitations." Nonetheless, the department failed to present any proof of drug trafficking or smuggling occurring in that region.
(Reuters)
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