Border-straddling library raises $140K for renovations after U.S. limits Canadian access
Best-selling novelist Louise Penny donated $50K for the project
Library officials in Stanstead, Que., are full of gratitude after receiving more than $140,000 in donations — including from celebrated author Louise Penny — to help renovate the entrance to the library that straddles the border with the United States.
"It is crazy. It's overwhelming …I have contractors starting working," said Sylvie Boudreau, president of the library's board of trustees.
Built in 1904, the Haskell Free Library and Opera House needs to renovate an emergency exit to become an accessible main entrance for Canadians after the U.S. government announced it is limiting access to that entrance, which is located steps into Derby Line, Vt.
As part of those restrictions, Canadians need a library membership to access the building through the entrance that's located on the American side of the border. And come Oct. 1, those restrictions will get even tougher.
Boudreau says the library will open a side entrance to the Canadian public on Tuesday but is already looking to build a proper door soon after.
Launching a crowd-funding campaign on Friday, Boudreau says the library already surpassed its goal.
"All that money in that short time, I've never seen something like that," said Boudreau.
She says this shows that the library will continue to be a place of unification, "even if some are trying to divide us."
Canadian novelist Louise Penny has even donated $50,000, according to Boudreau.
"She has at heart the library and also the literacy," Boudreau said, adding that a reading room will be renamed in her name to thank her for her gesture.
On Friday, the celebrated mystery writer reacted in a Facebook post to what's happening at the library.
"It was created as a beacon, a symbol, a physical expression of the friendship between our nations," said Penny.
"Today, the American government blocked Canadian access to the Haskell, in yet another shameful, callow, petty act by a shameful, callow, petty administration."
In early March, Penny cancelled the U.S. dates of her book tour.
The building has been declared a heritage site in both countries and has long been considered a symbol of harmony between Canada and the U.S.
Until now, the library was considered a neutral location, allowing Canadians to visit without having to go through the procedures of a normal border, with patrol officers ensuring that visitors go back home once they exit the library.
But on Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said during the decades it has allowed customers of the library to access its sidewalk without inspection, the area has witnessed a "continued rise in illicit cross-border activity."
Until Oct. 1, non-library members attempting to enter the U.S. via the sidewalk next to the library will be redirected to the nearest port of entry — an approximately three-minute walk from the library, it says.
As of Oct. 1, all visitors from Canada wishing to use the front entrance will be required to present themselves at a port of entry to enter the library from the United States, said CBP.
'The people are behind us,' says mayor
Jody Stone, Stanstead's mayor, spoke out against the U.S. government's decision at a news conference on Friday. Since then, he says he's received emails and messages from people around the world.
"It's really impressive on how much the people are behind us," said Stone.
"Canadians and Americans on the border have long been friends and allies so when one is being attacked the other comes and helps."
Regarding renovations, he says the town is focused on making sure this matter is "at the top of our pile."
For now, Boudreau she's waiting on quotes from contractors and will then approach Heritage Quebec and Heritage Vermont with the plans.
Since the building is granite, she says they have to work with an existing entrance.
"It would be great to have another beautiful wooden door ... We will make it happen," said Boudreau. "There's a lot of work to do."
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