Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The free Haskell library denies the “unilateral” American movement against the background of tensions over Donald Trump's constant threats against Canada.
Montreal, Canada – US President Donald Trump's administration cuts off the main point to access Canada to Historic library This ceases the border between the Canadian province of Quebec and the US state Vermont.
In a joint statement late Thursday, the border city of Quebec in Stanstad and the free library and opera Haskel said the United States had made the “unilateral decision to close the main access to Canadian access” to the building.
“This closure not only compromises the access of Canadian visitors to a historical symbol of cooperation and harmony between the two countries, but it also weakens the spirit of cross -border cooperation, which determines this emblematic location,” they said.
“In addition, this requires significant infrastructure adjustments to comply with the new restrictions.”
The customs and border defense of the US did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera's request for a comment on Friday's decision.
This move comes against the background of increasing tension between the US and Canada because of the repetition of Trump threats to annexation The northern neighbor of his country, as well as the imposition of steep tariffs on Canadian goods.
The reports that Trump ends the Canadians' access to the free library and Haskel's opera are alarming and if it is true an escalation in his rhetoric against our neighbor and ally.
Vermont loves Canada. This shared cultural institution celebrates a partnership between our two nations.
– Senator Peter Welch (@Senpeterwelch) March 21, 2025
“The reports that Trump is closing the Canadians' access to the free library and Haskel's opera are alarming and if it is true an escalation in its rhetoric against our neighbor and ally,” said US Senator Peter Welch of Vermont in an X.
“Vermont loves Canada. This shared cultural institution is celebrating a partnership between our two countries.”
For the first time open in 1905, a year after the opera, the free Haskel library was deliberately built in both the United States and Canada in displaying solidarity between the residents of the then border zone.
The border seedlings of the building and a black ribbon line runs through the main entrance record of the library and the children's reading room, outlining the dividing line.
The main entrance is from the United States at the border and in order to enter the building, the Canadians have managed to cross the border and head to the front door.
Passports are not required, but the library tells visitors to expect their movements to be monitored and carry identification.
Against the backdrop of Trump's threats against Canada, in late January, the US Secretary of Homeland Security Christy calls I made an unannounced visit to the library.
Deborah Bishop, CEO of Haskel, told the Canadian output CTV News that Nobody stands on the United States and said US Number 1 during a tour of the building.
“And then (she) crossed the line and said,” The 51st country, “Bishop said, in connection with Trump's continuous impetus to turn Canada into an American state.
“She did this three times. It is not mentioned about Canada, but only” 51st country, “Bishop told CTV, adding that the comments were poorly received by people in the library.
“We welcomed her with kindness and respect and I think she had to react the same way. She was in Canada. I want to say that when you go through this line, you are technically in Canada. So you may be respectful of the people in the Canadian room.”
Canadian leaders rejected Trump's impetus to annex the country with Prime Minister Mark Carney Last week, calling the idea “crazy.”
Carney said he was ready to meet the Trump administration to discuss tariffs and other policies, but only if Canada's sovereignty is respected.
