The Haskell Free Library & Opera House, a unique landmark straddling the U.S. and Canada border, is facing new entry restrictions for Canadian visitors. This change has sparked a conversation about cross-border relations and community ties.
For over a century, the library has operated with a unique entry system where visitors from Canada could use the American entrance without going through customs, provided they exited the same way. However, this longstanding tradition is about to change. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has decided to revoke this agreement, citing concerns over drug trafficking and smuggling as the primary reasons for the new regulations.
Impact on the Community
Sylvie Boudreau, who resides in Stanstead, Quebec, serves as the president of the library’s board of trustees. She expressed her surprise and disappointment over the decision. “I was angry. I was in disbelief. I couldn’t believe they would do something like that,” she conveyed during a conversation with NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe.
The library has historically served as a cultural and social link between Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont. Boudreau highlighted its role in fostering connections across the border, emphasizing the sense of unity and family it has nurtured due to the significant number of dual citizens in the area.
Reasons for the Change
The Department of Homeland Security’s move comes after acknowledging incidents of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, exploiting the library’s unique position. Despite efforts by library staff and volunteers to monitor and report suspicious activities, these measures were deemed insufficient by authorities.
Concerns Over Cross-Border Relations
Beyond the immediate logistical implications, there are broader concerns about how this change might affect relations between the U.S. and Canada. Boudreau, reflecting on past discussions with U.S. Border Patrol and authorities, expressed her hope that the library could continue to serve as a symbol of friendship. She remarked, “For me, Americans are my friends, my family, as much as my Canadians. I just want people to continue to look besides that and to see the real people.”
As the library prepares to adapt to these new regulations, its role as a community hub connecting two nations remains a poignant reminder of the ties that bind across borders.
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