The Haskell Free Library denies the “unilateral” US move amid tensions over Donald Trump’s continued threat to Canada.
MONTREAL, Canada – The US President Donald Trump administration is blocking Canada’s major access points to historic libraries that span the US border between Quebec and Vermont, Canada.
In a joint statement late Thursday, Quebec’s border border towns Stansted and Hasquel Free Library and Opera House said the US had “unilateral decision to close Canada’s major access to the building.”
“This closure not only compromises Canadian visitors’ access to historic symbols of cooperation and harmony between the two countries, but also undermines the spirit of cross-border collaboration that defines this iconic place,” they said.
“In addition, critical infrastructure adjustments are required to comply with the new constraints.”
US Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comments on Friday’s decision.
The move comes amid tensions over Trump’s repeated threats to annex his country’s north neighbours and Trump’s repeated threats to imposing a sudden tariff on Canadian goods.
Reports that Trump has closed Canadians’ access to Haskel Free Library & Opera House is troubling.
Vermont loves Canada. This shared cultural institution celebrates our partnership between the two countries.
– Senator Peter Welch (@senpeterwelch) March 21, 2025
“Reports that Trump has closed access to Canadians’ Haskell Free Library and Opera House is troubling, and if the escalation of his rhetoric towards our neighbors and allies is true,” Vermont Sen. Peter Welch said in a post on X.
“Vermont loves Canada. This shared cultural institution celebrates our partnership between the two countries.”
First opened in 1905, a year after the Opera House, the Haskell Free Library was a show of solidarity among residents of the then border area, and was purposefully built in both the US and Canada.
The border divides the buildings, with lines of black tape running through the library’s main entrance hall and the children’s reading room, drawing a division line.
The main entrance was on the American side of the frontier, and to enter the building, Canadians were able to cross the border and head towards the front door.
A passport is not required, but the library instructs visitors to expect movements to be monitored and identification to be communicated.
Amid Trump’s threat to Canada, Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem made an unpublished visit to the library in late January.
Haskell’s executive director, Deborah Bishop, told Canadian Outlet CTV News that Noem stood on the US side and said “US number 1” while on tour of the building.
“after that [she] I crossed the line and said, ’51st State,'” Bishop said.
“She did this three times. There was no mention of Canada, just ’51st State’,” Bishop told CTV, adding that the comments weren’t received much from the people in the library.
“We welcomed her with courtesy and respect. I think she should have reacted the same way. She was in Canada, which means you’re technically in Canada when you step on that line.
Canadian leaders rejected Trump’s push for annexation of the country last week, calling the idea “crazy.”
Carney says he is willing to meet with the Trump administration to discuss tariffs and other policies only if Canada’s sovereignty is respected.
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