Haskell Free Library, the library that serves as the border between the United States and Canada

Canadians from Stanstead (Quebec) and Americans from Derby Line (Vermont) share a very unique border: a Victorian building that functions as both a library and a theater. It was in the year 1904 when Martha Stewart Haskelly and her son, Colonel Horace Stewart Haskell, decided to build this establishment in honor of their late husband and father. From the very beginning, the idea was not only for it to be situated on the border, but to act as the border itself, distinguishing one country from another with black lines painted on the ground. Thus, the bookshelves are in Canadian territory while the counter is in United States territory. The opera hall, which is still used today for theatrical and musical performances, also has a painted line on the floor, making the stage in Canada and much of the seating in the United States. It is said to be "the only library without books and the only opera hall without a stage in the United States."

There are some rules that must be followed to maintain the coexistence that the Stewart Haskell family intended. Although the main door is in U.S. territory and a Canadian may enter through it, they must follow a designated route and always return to their land. It is also forbidden to hold family gatherings between members from both sides inside. Furthermore, visitors are recommended to carry all their documentation as if they were leaving the country. Locals say that for them, the border no longer exists; it's as if they live in the same town, even though their languages are different (French in Canada and English in the United States). Additionally, to avoid problems, in 1908 both municipalities agreed not to construct any more buildings in the vicinity to keep the area better monitored. Nevertheless, there has been tobacco smuggling and even found weapons among the books.

What was once a peaceful coexistence without the need to look down to check what part of North America you were in became an ultra-monitored action starting from 9/11. Since the year 2001, new immigration monitoring measures were implemented, which also affected this peculiar border. Crossing the lines became a national security issue, and for a time, they couldn't even peek over to the other side without U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents checking their papers. A couple of months later, the strict measures eased, and signs were posted warning of the potential fines they could face. Outside the library, some flower pots were placed over the white line separating one town from another, and today, residents cross back and forth without any immigration issues.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, something similar occurred. The borders, which had ceased to make sense for the residents on both sides, regained their significance nearly 20 years later. However, users have returned to using it in the usual manner, taking advantage of its extensive collection of books in English and French and an important educational and cultural program for all audiences. Both in Canada and the United States, it is a site of national interest. In the French-speaking country, it was designated as provincial heritage in 1977 and was recognized as Lieu historique national du Canada in 1985; while in the English-speaking country, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. Despite being regarded differently on both sides, Canadian and American residents enjoy and experience it as if no line were on the ground separating them, as culture knows no borders.