DERBY, Vt. — Within the heart of Derby Line, Vermont, lies a unique cultural institution, cherished by its residents as more than just a repository of books. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House has, for over a century, served as a bridge between diverse cultures from the U.S. and Canada, fostering a unique blend of community interaction and international cooperation. This symbolic connection, however, faces new challenges due to recent policy changes proposed by the Trump administration.
The historical building straddles the border, with its grand entrance located in the United States, although the structure itself sits between Derby Line, Vermont, and Stanstead, Quebec. Traditionally, Canadians could freely access the library without needing a passport, courtesy of a longstanding informal agreement between the two countries. They would cross the border via a monitored sidewalk, under the watchful eye of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, without a checkpoint in sight.
Inside, a visible line on the library floor marks the international border, but it has never hindered the free flow of patrons from both nations among the shelves. However, as of Tuesday, protocol has changed. Only library cardholders and staff can now enter from the U.S. side, while all other Canadian visitors must resort to an emergency exit or go through a formal checkpoint, starting October 1. This shift disrupts what was once an honor-based system, leaving users of the library pondering a significant change.
Allyson Howell, a local resident, expressed concern over these changes, emphasizing that they widen the gap between two neighboring nations that have long enjoyed mutual curiosity and understanding. Describing the library as a “really special” place, Howell sees it as a symbol of international cooperation between enduring allies.
Derby Line, a quaint village home to about 700 people within the town of Derby, is nestled in Vermont’s rural Northeast Kingdom, while Stanstead, a neighboring town, comprises around 3,000 residents. These communities, like many along the U.S.-Canada border, share intertwined economies and cultural ties, bonds now tested by the policies of the Trump era, which have seen increased tariffs and stricter border security measures.
Rick Ufford-Chase, mayor of the nearby Newport, Vermont, echoes this sentiment, regarding the library as a powerful symbol of unity for people within the border region. “The border may be a political boundary, but for countless families, it’s never been a barrier,” he said.
Community members on both sides believe the recent U.S. regulation undermines the library’s founding purpose. Built in the early 1900s, it was intended to nurture literacy, art, and cultural exchange. Sylvie Boudreau, president of the library’s board of trustees, highlights the library’s role in uniting the communities, emphasizing shared friendships and kinship.
To adhere to the new requirements, the library plans to construct a new entrance on the Canadian side – a project estimated to cost upwards of $100,000. “This isn’t necessary,” laments Boudreau, who resides on Quebec’s side of the border. “We’ve always had great relations with both American and Canadian authorities. It would have been ideal to keep the current entrance accessible.”