U.S. limits Canadian access to iconic Stanstead, Que., border-straddling library [Video]

The U.S. government is making it more difficult for Canadians to access the Stanstead, Que., library, an iconic building that straddles the border, according to town and library officials.

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, built in 1904, has been declared a heritage site in both countries and has long been considered a symbol of harmony between Canada and the U.S.

The mayor of Stanstead, representatives from the library and local residents spoke out Friday against the U.S. government’s decision to limit Canadians’ access to the main entrance to the building.

Jody Stone, Stanstead’s mayor, said an agreement had been in place for more than a century to share access to the building. Stone, who grew up in the area, said the restrictions undermine the spirit of cross-border collaboration in the area.

“We drink the same water, we share the same sewer plant,” he said at a news conference near the library. 

“Without borders, you …