The Border That Brings People Together

The political tension on immigration has continued to rise in the past few years. The possibility of a wall along the US-Mexican border is a representation of our perception of borders today––borders are meant to keep some people out and others in; they are a dividing force between one country and the next. But borders don't always have to be dividers; in some cases, they act as a bridge to bring people together.
The Haskell Free Library is a library intentionally located along the US-Canadian border in Derby Line, Vermont and Stanstead, Quebec. Black tape lines the floor, signifying the international border between the US and Canada. It takes both Canadian and US dollars, houses French and English books, and librarians speak both languages. The Haskell Library embraces that it brings people from both sides together; it "relishes its role as a sort of free-trade zone for humans."
Built by the Haskell family in 1908, the library was designed to encourage friendly, cross-border interactions. For years, citizens of both countries flowed easily between the international border: "Back in the day, the customs agents knew your name and waved you through with a smile. Back in the day, you wouldn't think twice about crossing the border to get a slice of pizza."
However, after the September 11 attacks, the border security in this area––and in the US at large–– heightened significantly. Large potted plants were placed in front of the library to act as a sort of barrier. Today, a US Homeland Security vehicle circles the library's entrance 24/7.
In 2011, a man was arrested for trying smuggle a case of guns through the library's restroom. Today, the library has also become a popular place for asylum seekers from the US to Canada to try and cross the border. Stories of reunification at the 'border library' are frequently covered by the news. More and more people are trying to use the library's reputation of being a free-flowing area because other borders are too difficult to get through. Because borders elsewhere are increasingly difficult to get through, many are using the Haskell Library for reunification or illegal border crossing.


http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20171105-the-us-canada-border-runs-through-this-tiny-library

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