STANSTEAD, Quebec: U.S. authorities have decided to end a long-standing unwritten rule that allowed people from Stanstead, Quebec, to walk into Derby Line, Vermont, and enter the Haskell Free Library and Opera House without a passport.

The decision comes amid rising tensions between the two countries and has upset residents on both sides of the border. In some areas, the border is marked only by flower pots.

Inside the library, which symbolizes international friendship, Canadian Pauline Lussier and American Chris Blais met for the first time. Standing on opposite sides of a taped line marking the border, they embraced.

"A line doesn't separate us, it never has," Blais said, holding an American flag while Lussier held a Canadian one.

"Our kids have crossed this border without any trouble … now that will change, and there's no reason for it," she added.

Previously, Canadians and Americans could freely interact inside the library as long as they returned to their own country afterward. In 2016, President Barack Obama praised the library, saying it represented the close ties between the two nations.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson confirmed that stricter rules will soon take effect. Only library cardholders and staff will be allowed to cross from Canada to enter through the main U.S. entrance.

Starting October 1, Canadians without proper clearance will need to go through an official border checkpoint, except for law enforcement, emergency responders, mail carriers, government workers, and those with disabilities.

CBP acknowledged the library's unique status but cited security concerns for the change.
"For decades, CBP allowed library visitors to cross the sidewalk without inspection. However, cross-border illegal activity in this area has increased," the agency said. It mentioned recent incidents, including an attempt to smuggle firearms near the library.

Town and library officials said Canadians without a library card would have to enter through the back door on the Canadian side, which currently requires crossing a muddy patch. To fix this, the library launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise CA$100,000 (US$69,000) for a sidewalk, parking, and wheelchair access.

Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone criticized the U.S. decision, calling it unnecessary. However, he insisted that the strong ties between the two communities would remain unchanged.

"No matter what this administration does, it will not change the fact that Stanstead and Derby Line are partners and friends forever," he said.

Many residents gathered at the border in protest, some in tears. Penny Thomas, standing on the American side, held a sign with a maple leaf that read, "Keep Haskell open."

In February, The Boston Globe reported that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the library. While stepping back and forth over the borderline, she repeated President Trump's past remarks about making Canada the 51st state.

Until now, Canadians could enter the library through the main U.S. entrance without a passport or visa. However, officials had warned that U.S. and Canadian border patrol officers monitored movements and could request ID at any time.