Straddling the international border line, and the two towns of Derby Line, VT and Stanstead, Quebec, is the Haskell Free Library & Opera House. This unique and charming public library serves both U.S. and Canadian citizens, and was awarded a CLiF grant for the first time in 2024.
I visited “the Haskell,” as it’s known, on a rainy day at the end of August for a Summer Readers storytelling session and book giveaway hosted by CLiF founder and prolific presenter Duncan McDougall. While I’ve been to many lovely small public libraries and lively elementary schools across New Hampshire and Vermont, this was the first time I’ve ever been able to stand simultaneously in the U.S. and Canada at a CLiF event – or anywhere, for that matter.
The entrance to the Haskell is in the U.S., while the children’s room, where Duncan – a dual citizen who grew up in Montreal – delivered his presentation in both English and French, is in Canada. A thick black line along the floor delineates the border, and by placing a foot on either side, one can accurately proclaim to be in both countries at once. (And indeed, I did.) The gathering was, according to Duncan, CLiF’s first-ever international storytelling event!
Evelyne Crevier, who is Canadian, serves as the children’s librarian for the Haskell, and commutes across the border each day to warmly welcome visitors in either French or English. While no passports are required to enter the library, Canadian visitors must come and go via a designated sidewalk that crosses the border to the building’s entrance. Americans, in turn, may visit the Canadian side of the Haskell while inside, but once outside, may not use the sidewalk to cross over to Canada.
Funded by Canadian-born Martha Stewart Haskell in memory of her American-born husband Carlos, the library was deliberately built on the border to celebrate the citizens and cultures of northern Vermont and southern Quebec. It opened in 1904, and is a designated landmark in both the U.S. (National Registry of Historic Landmarks) and Canada (Heritage Building). The stately building is a mix of Romanesque and Classical Revival styles; with stained glass windows imported from Scotland, ornate fireplaces and woodworking on the library interior, and one of the most elaborate and best preserved opera house interiors in Vermont.
The Haskell is one of 82 public libraries, summer programs, and camps across NH and VT who participated in the Summer Readers grant. In total, we gave away over 14,000 books this summer to kids in under-served communities so they can keep reading during the school break! Here’s a few quotes from partners we served this past summer:
- “As soon as the kids got their books, they immediately sat down on the floor of the meeting room and dived right into their new books!”
- ”The families are always so appreciative of their children getting books. I love being able to see the joy the students have when picking books, feeling proud to show off what books they chose and how quickly they want to dive right into the books.”
- “There is something so empowering about selecting your own book. Lots of dinosaur lovers were jumping up and down with excitement for so many dinosaur choices. ‘I got TWO dinosaur books!!!’ One chapter book reader said: ‘I’m going to start reading this as soon as we get in the car.’ One kid sat down on the floor in the middle of everyone and started pointing to pictures of sharks in one of the books he chose.”
- “The laughter and smiles that fills the room during a CliF presentation is awesome! Picking out new books to keep is not something that lots of kids get to go to everyday and it’s great to see them making their selections very thoughtfully.”
NOTE:
The Haskell Free Library & Opera House is NOT a border crossing. While passports and visas are not necessary to enter the Haskell Free Library & Opera House, be aware that both the US Border Patrol and the RCMP have the right to ask to see personal identification and detain anyone who is not of legal status. It is advised that you bring your passport or papers just in case, but I didn’t need them. Also note that cross-border meetings and/or reunions are prohibited. Want to explore Stanstead, Quebec or make a fun day trip exploring the Eastern Townships? You’ll have to enter Canada at the border crossing stations on Interstate 91 or Route 5.
