The Haskell Free Library and Opera House was intentionally constructed on the international boundary between Derby Line, Vermont (USA) and Stanstead, Quebec (Canada). Opened in 1904, it was designed as a deliberate monument of bi-national friendship.
Reading Books Across International Borders
A black tape line runs across the wooden floor of the library's main reading room. Patrons can pick up a book in Canada and sit down in a chair located inside the United States to read it. The library's front entrance is located on the American side, but most of the books and part of the opera stage are on the Canadian side.
The Unique Opera House Layout
In the upper-floor opera house, the audience seats sit primarily in Derby Line, USA, while the stage, performers, and dressing rooms reside in Stanstead, Canada. Consequently, when actors perform on stage, they are in Canada performing for an audience sitting in the USA.
Border Control Protocol
Visitors entering from Canada are permitted to walk to the US side entrance to enter the building without reporting to US Customs, provided they return directly to Canada upon exiting without leaving the library property premises.