U.S. Shuts Down Canadian Access to Historic Haskell Free Library Amid Rising Cross-Border Tensions

 Stanstead, Quebec / Derby Line, Vermont – March 22 – The Trump administration has announced the closure of Canada’s primary access point to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a unique institution that straddles the U.S.-Canada border. The decision has sparked criticism from local officials and raised concerns over the future of cross-border cooperation.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the Quebec town of Stanstead and the library’s administration condemned the U.S. government’s “unilateral decision” to restrict entry from Canada, calling it a blow to the historical symbol of binational harmony.

“This closure not only compromises Canadian visitors’ access to a landmark of cooperation but also weakens the spirit of cross-border collaboration that defines this iconic location,” the statement read. “Furthermore, it necessitates significant infrastructure adjustments to comply with new constraints.”

Tensions Escalate Amid U.S. Policies on Canada

The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada, fueled by President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to annex Canada and the imposition of steep tariffs on Canadian goods.

U.S. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont expressed concern over the decision, calling it a troubling escalation of Trump’s rhetoric against a longstanding ally. “Reports of Trump closing off Canadians’ access to the Haskell Free Library & Opera House are troubling, and if true, an escalation in his rhetoric against our neighbor and ally,” Welch stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

A Library Divided by a Border

Founded in 1905, the Haskell Free Library was intentionally constructed on the international boundary as a symbol of goodwill between the two nations. A black line running through the building’s main hall and children’s reading room marks the border, with the main entrance located on the U.S. side. Traditionally, Canadians could access the library without passports, though visitors were advised to carry identification and expect monitoring by border authorities.

However, under the new policy, Canadian visitors will be permitted to use the sidewalk leading to the library’s U.S. entrance only until October 1—provided they can prove membership. After that date, all Canadian visitors will need to formally enter the U.S. through an official port of entry.

U.S. Cites Security Concerns for Policy Shift

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the policy change, citing an increase in “illicit cross-border activity” as the reason for a “phased approach” to restricting access.

Amid Trump’s increasingly assertive stance toward Canada, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made an unannounced visit to the library in January. According to Deborah Bishop, the library’s executive director, Noem made controversial remarks during her visit, stepping over the border line and declaring “USA number one” before adding, “The 51st state,” in reference to Trump’s proposal to annex Canada.

“She did this on three occasions,” Bishop told CTV News, adding that the comments were poorly received by Canadian staff and visitors. “She was in Canada. Maybe be respectful toward the people in the room who are Canadian.”

Canadian Leaders Reject Annexation Talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly dismissed Trump’s annexation rhetoric, calling it “crazy.” He reiterated Canada’s sovereignty and expressed a willingness to engage in discussions on trade and policy—on the condition that Canada’s independence remains undisputed.

As tensions between the two nations grow, the closure of Canada’s access to the Haskell Free Library stands as a stark symbol of the shifting relationship between Washington and Ottawa.