US government blocks Canadian access to border-straddling library | U.S. & World [Video]

By Peter McCabe and Anna Mehler Paperny

STANSTEAD, Quebec (Reuters) – U.S. authorities said on Friday they are closing Canadian access to a library straddling the Canada-U.S. border, drawing criticism from a Quebec town where people have long enjoyed easy entry to the space.

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is located between the towns of Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont. It has become a symbol of cross-border unity and cooperation as well as an opportunity for separated families to unite.

The library’s entrance is on the Vermont side. Previously, Canadian visitors were able to enter using the sidewalk and entrance on the American side but were encouraged to bring documentation, according to the library’s website.

Under the new rules, Canadians would need to go through a formal border crossing before entering the library.

Until October 1, library members will be able to use the sidewalk with proof of membership, a U.S. Customs and Border …