By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House has long stood as a symbol of friendship between Canada and the United States, straddling the international border in the towns of Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont. But a recent decision by the U.S. government to close the entrance to the building (located on U.S. soil) to Canadians has sparked a wave of international support—and a GoFundMe campaign that has exceeded all expectations.
Launched on Mar. 20 by the library, the fundraiser initially aimed to raise $100,000 to build a new, fully accessible Canadian entrance. As of March 28, over $170,000 has been donated by more than 2,600 contributors. The funds will be used to install a new door, mobility-accessible ramps, and a proper sidewalk, among other upgrades.
“We didn’t know how much it would cost at the beginning,” said Sylvie Boudreau, President of the Haskell Library’s Canadian board, in a March 28 interview. “We just wanted to make something basic—a concrete sidewalk, a proper entrance, a nice door.”
The scope of the renovations will depend on how much money can ultimately be raised. Boudreau hopes the funds will allow for more than just functionality: “It would be nice if we could put back some granite or some bricks—something beautiful.”
The building’s original Canadian entrance—located at the rear—is currently unwelcoming and difficult to access, especially for visitors with reduced mobility. The new entrance would not only meet accessibility standards but also restore a sense of pride for Canadian patrons.
Louise Penny, bestselling Canadian author and longtime supporter of the library, contributed $50,000 directly to the Haskell Foundation. According to Boudreau, this route allows Canadian donors to receive a charitable tax receipt, unlike GoFundMe, which does not offer this option.
