Library in a border imbroglio between Canada and USA

Those living near borders know that the line separating their country from their neighbour can sometimes create absurd situations. This is evidenced by the Haskell Library and Opera House caught up in the diplomatic spat between Canada and the United States.

Living near a border, when the neighbouring countries are "friendly", often provides the opportunity to enjoy what the other nation has to offer. Sometimes, there are customs checks to endure. But there are also particular zones, especially buildings or streets that straddle two countries. This is exactly what happens with the Haskell Library and Opera House located both in Derby Line, Vermont (USA) and in Stanstead (Canada). A black line marks a boundary that everyone within the establishment used to ignore. At least, they used to. Because geopolitics and the foolish behaviour of Kristi Noem, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, have disrupted the habits of this centuries-old institution and bridge between peoples.

51st state

During her visit on January 30, 2025, Ms Noem found it amusing to leap over the line shouting "USA number 1" on the American side and "51st State" on the Canadian side. This deeply shocked the staff members present. Since then, the situation has become even more complicated. In fact, the American border guards imposed a new regulation unilaterally. Since then, "all Canadian users must present their library card to cross into the United States and enter the library". Previously, Canadians and tourists simply crossed the street to access the American sidewalk and enter the building. This is no longer possible.

Back door

To allow visitors coming from Canada to enter this library and its opera house open since 1904, access now must be through the back door. This entrance is going to be rearranged, transforming the turreted building. Additionally, it's mandatory to exit through the same door. The same goes for those coming from the USA; they must only use the door on the United States side. A situation completely contradicting the values of the founder, Martha Stewart Haskell, and her son Horace. They wanted a place for meetings and solidarity among people, anglophones, and francophones. A symbol of unity and friendship swept away by a xenophobic American government. Especially as "cross-border meetings" are banned. Furthermore, "the United States border patrol and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have the right to demand personal identification documents and to detain anyone whose status isn't legal."

Outraged

On the last day of opening before the implementation of the new rules, many users and supporters gathered to support the project. There were sometimes tears, from both Canadians and residents of the United States. Especially since this library and opera house are a source of pride for the two border towns. But the administration never does things by halves when it comes to crushing beautiful habits as soon as they are considered non-compliant. As the institution writes on its website, this decision "threatens the spirit of collaboration that has shaped this institution for generations. We refuse to let a border divide what history has built together. […] Beyond the cultural and historical losses, this [forced] closure of the main access imposes costly and unnecessary infrastructure modifications to comply with the new border restrictions, creating an excessive burden on the library and the community it serves."

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Sources: TV5 Monde, Huffington Post and Le Nouvelliste – Picture: © picture alliance / NurPhoto | Artur Widak)