What is unique about this historical site resumes in two essential points: 1- This is the ONLY, yes. THE ONLY public place that is built on the borderline. 2- At the first sight, it may seem like a municipality’s library. But, on the other half of the building, you will discover a 400 people capacity theater. Moreover, almost everything is original, which means that we got a chance to see furnitures, ceilings, scenery decorations that dated over 100 years! The theater continues to be used, I would definitely love to come back to see a show in this vintage and beautiful theater. (Fun fact: a rumor said the Beatles wanted to perform at this site back in the days. But, because of the borderline complications, they never did:( Credit: I’ve learnt all the above information form the wonderful and passionate tour lady. Please let me know if there are any erroneous info :)

in 2016 I came up here exploring the library and the legendary piece of tape that acts as a invisible border. I was able to film a little around the library including walk around the public library. Such a beautiful area, I think they removed the flower pots shortly after that. This place is a true connection between the towns from US to Canada. If you do enough research you will discover that borders are unlawful, we live in 2023 people. If I want to visit my family and friends in Canada I should have that right to do so. I feel so sorry for the town of Derby as many business shutdown because no one wants to be watched by US BORDER PATROL. by the I love the Canadian Border Patrol very kind and gentle and we even spoke french... I don't trust the government and we need to keep this beautiful library alive, willing to donate money... Knowledge is the keeper in our lives!

When we travel, we like to find local oddities to visit. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House definitely met our criteria. When I told my 11 year old that I wanted to visit a library on vacation I was met with a "are you crazy mom?!" and "WHY?!" I asked him when was the last time you were able to stand in two countries at once? Reluctantly, he went with me and we had fun looking at books in both English and French as well as standing on either side of the border. This is such a wonderful historical place to visit and the staff was very knowledgeable. I know it's in the name, but it's FREE!

WAAAAY, WAAAAAY, WAY, COOL!!!! You will get a yelling at for horsing around at the border, however the yelling at is a must!!!

The experience was amazing. Staff can tell you the history of the library. Go back in time how it came on to what it is now. Reminder to Canadians, be careful when you cross back the border lines by planters right in front of the library with a pedestal indicating Canada -US side. A border officer inside his park vehicle on the US side right beside the flower planters will YELL at you " HEY YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" as I cross back to Canadian side after I attended the library tour. In my humble opinion, there is a better, professional and polite way to do it than yelling.

Beautiful small Stanstead village. The library is right on the boarder. Canadian is allowed to go to the main entrance of the library by walking through the pave way but not on the road. Few stones are stand there as the boarder….

I will be on stage sept 8th for a fundraising concert for the Haskell Opera House. Tickets avalaible in the USA at Catamount Arts & in Canada on Eventbrite. Please share info. Thank you.

The library has a lot of stories. Joined the tour for the visit. Highly recommended.