U.S. blocks Canadian access to iconic Stanstead border-straddling library, local officials say

The U.S. government is closing the main Canadian access to the Stanstead, Que., library, an iconic building that straddles both borders, according to town and library officials.

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, built in 1904, has been declared a heritage site on both sides of the border and has long been considered a symbol of harmony between Canada and the U.S.

The border line literally runs across the floor of the building, but the entrance is on the American side in Derby Line, Vt.

Until now, the library was considered a neutral location, allowing visitors to visit without having to go through all the procedures of a normal border, with patrol officers ensuring that everyone goes back to where they came from.

But Sylvie Boudreau, the president of the library's board of trustees, said access from Canada without going through an official customs crossing will now be closed.

"This is history in the making; it had been open for over 100 years," she said in an interview with Radio-Canada.

U.S. officials have not commented on the change or the reasons behind it.

The town of Stanstead has called a news conference for today to "formally respond to the unilateral decision by the U.S. government to close Canada's main access to this unique heritage building."

Stanstead said in the release the "closure compromises not only the access of Canadian visitors to an historic symbol of co-operation and harmony between the two countries, but also undermines the spirit of cross-border collaboration that defines this emblematic site."

The mayor, local MP and library officials are all scheduled to attend. The statement also says some representatives from the U.S. are also expected.