Haskell Free Library And Opera House
ធនធានអ្នកធ្វើដំណើរ ការប្រគុំតន្ត្រី & កម្មវិធីបង្ហាញ រោងសម្ដែងសិល្បៈ កឥការតាក់តាញ បណ្ណាល័យ 93 Caswell Ave, ឈរ, កេបិច, កាណាដា
21 Photos
Contact & Hours
93 Caswell Ave Derby Line, Stanstead, Quebec 05830 Canada
https://www.haskelloperahouse.org/
Opening Hours
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00-17:00
- Wednesday: 10:00-17:00
- Thursday: 10:00-17:00
- Friday: 10:00-17:00
- Saturday: 10:00-16:00
Nearby Attractions
Reviews (36)
Well Preserved and Interesting
The Haskell Library is worth a stop if you're in Derby Line, Vermont or Stanstead, Quebec. If you are approaching from the American side you are free to roam around but if you are on the Canadian side you have to stick to the sidewalk to go in. The library is very well maintained and has some interesting history behind it, but the Grand opera house upstairs is much more impressive. Be sure to go there for a tour around 1 pm as it is very informative and worth it. It is free to enter but it is suggested you go with a member or pre arrange for the tour. The tour is $5 and you can pay in CAD or USD. Our guide went through the history of the library, the styling of the rooms and the history of the theater. It was surprisingly interesting and the town's nearby are quite pleasant and worth stopping in if you're road tripping through the area. The Haskell family built this more than a century ago and it has remained a great community focal point. They are restarting theatre productions this year so check out their website to see if you can make a show in the Grand theatre!
Rue Church street
Library is closed but you can go up Rue Church and see the border 'wall' with a piece of tape. So funny to see the border protected with this
a unique experience - a foot in each country
This historic property is very well preserved and is beautiful. A very unique premise to build straddling the border and obviously a unique experience. Signage to the Library Opera House was not helpful if it existed at all. If approaching from the Canadian side the Border patrol agent is very clear - step off of the side walk and you will be arrested. Worth a visit.
Un bijou de salle à cheval sur la fontiere
Assez difficile à trouver car pas d annonce / direction! Une belle salle, intime et très bon acoustique. Des sièges au Québec ère d autres au Vermont, à vous de choisir. Avons eu un spectacle d opéra, La Traviata très bon malgré le piano un peu faux dans les notes hautes. Le seul bémol est l absence de restaurant de qualité à Stanstead.
Beautiful building - Very Unique history!
Must stop here & see the Haskell Free Library & Opera House! Take the time to read about the history of the building, why it was built and how it was built. Staff were all kind an amazing. Tourists - like myself - all stopped by & stood on the line inside the building that represented the border. We also took pictures outside from both the Derby Line / Stanstead sides after we crossed the Border Patrol.
Haskell library
Amazing staff. Beautiful place. Lots to do many activities are offered here and we take part every chance we get!
Bijou d'architecture et curiosité à visiter
Le Haskell Opéra House de Stanstead est une curiosité en tant que tel car le bâtiment est situé sur les lignes canados-américaines. La scène se situe au Canada et le public au USA. La salle de spectacle est un bijou de petit théâtre anglais récemment rénové. Ils ont su préservés la décoration art déco et que dire du rideau de scène montrant une scène de Venise. Malgré le fait que les bancs d'origine au dossier rigide soit encore présent, la direction a l'amabilité de nous fournir des coussins pour que la soirée soit meilleure. Belle expérience d'aller voir un spectacle dans cette salle. Attention : Si vous arrivez du Canada, la stationnement est difficile, si vous arrivez des États-Unis, vous disposez d'un grand stationnement.
Unique!
This building sits right on the border between Canada and the United States (Quebec and Vermont). It was fun to walk carefully along the sidewalk (U. S. property) to ensure we didn't transgress the international boundary! No documentation was required. The building itself is a well-preserved example of neo-classical architecture. There is also an interesting granite museum in the tourism information centre, on the Quebec side. Set in very pretty scenery, this attraction is well worth a visit.
Interesting & Unique Building
While traveling through the area, we made it a point to add this library to our itinerary - a nice old building and the fact that it straddles two countries is really interesting. The border inside is marked with tape, and the staff doesn't seem to mind that you'll want to pose for pictures on the line! A tour of the outside is interesting as well - there are some signs providing information about the library posted outside near a stone boundary monument. This library is worth a visit!
Straddle the border while you read!
the haskell Free Library and Opera House is unique. There are of course other libraries and other opera houses and I'm sure more than one other than combines the two. But this one straddles the canada / USA border. Inside, there is a painted line on the floor so you know what country you're standing in. The building was constructed where it sits on purpose - after all, where else in the world is there such an open border between friends? The staff is always friendly and the pictures you'll take home will be treasured for years and years.
Unique and beautiful
This is interesting, especially if you love libraries. It's half in the US and half in Canada. Staff is friendly and helpful. Interior is charming and well kept. beautiful old wood work.
Genial
Superbe endroit à cheval entre le Canada et les USA. La visite de la salle d'opéra fut une agréable surprise et très intéressante.
Oh... No! It is closed on Sunday!!!
We heard about this library and drove for over two hours to get there and..... found it was closed... The famous opera house was purposely built on the boarder of the two country. Outside, a stone printed Canada one side and USA on the opposite. The kids were most disappointed, as compensation, the kids were hopping back and for around the boarder stone for minutes. We came for the home style bakery products as well. Apparently, most commercial activities are closed on Sundays. We managed to find one restaurant opened.
Straddling the border
What fun to visit this unusual building. The Canadian / USA border runs right through it. It was built this way intentionally, opening in 1905. The Opera House, in the same structure, has the same feature of straddling the border. It is steps away from the border crossing. A black line marks the boundary. The library serves patrons with both French and English materials. A must see if you are in the area! It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Saturday at the Library
Went to visit library and Opera house. Sad to see that the Opera house was closed for tours. But the library was still interesting, half in Canada, half in USA.
Unique attraction
The Library / opera house was built in the late 1800's right on the border between Canada and the US as a symbol of cooperation. It is a beautiful building split right down the middle by a black line inside indicating the border: it is one of the lone places where one can stand with one foot in the US and the other in Canada. But watch out for US Border patrol who are very present in the area and was advised that if you step off the sidewalk, you are subject to arrest... Otherwise, a perfect example of " past " cooperation between the two Countries.
Unique Place to Visit
If you're in the area stop by here and check out the Haskell Free Library and Opera House. It rests on the U. S. and Canadian border. You can access it even without a passport but don't go outside the grounds. If you plan to travel across the border you must go through the border checkpoint. The library rests on both sides of the border and has an old opera house. It's free and family friendly to check out. Check the operation hours before you go to make sure it's open. Quick stop that you can check out in less than an hour.
Gorgeous
You can be in 2 countries at the same time. True to period and I do recommend taking the $5 / pp tour. Don't miss the opera house! Yes, you will be wowed by the library but there's so much more! Tour takes you to opera house and guide will give you detailed and interesting historic information. Even though you are in Canada, do not be afraid to step back on USA soil to access front door. You won't go to jail. It's got a special privilege for you.
Historic Library
A beautiful building; the library is a former opera house. It sits on the border between the US and Canada and has a line on the floor indicating which half is in which country.
One of a Kind
This place is amazing, the history and the librarian are amazing. This place is actually built to straddle the border between the U. S. and Canada!!! There is a line drawn on the floor that designates which country you are in as you walk around this awesome place a must see, very unique. There is probably no other place like this in the U. S.
Un pied dans chaque pays
Avons décider d'aller visiter l'Opera House avec visite guider sauf que rien indique que la dernière visite termine le samedi à 12.30 H et somme arriver à 12.50H et c'est fermer dimanche et lundi dommage ! Vraiment manque info sur leur site mais avons quand même visiter la Library qui faut voir une fois dans sa vie.
Library literally on the Canada-U. S. border
Ha! Whoever heard of a place as unique as a library literally sitting on the Canada-U. S. Border with a 'border line', painted black, running right through it! This is a must see! Staff were ever so helpful and kindly assisted in showing us where to go for best photos. This was a fun family stop on an Eastern Township visit.
Two countries at one time
Here is a chance for you to be in two countries at once - the library is half in Canada and half in the US. If you're coming from the Canadian side be sure to stay on the sidewalk!!
Border Magic
No trip to the Vermont / Quebec border would be complete without a stop at this wonderful chunk of History. Where else can you enter in the United States, check out books in Canada and perhaps read a magazine back in the US while you friend sits in Canada -on the same sofa. This magnificent stone building with slate roof was built in simpler times back at the turn of century. Don't miss it.
Surprenant
Quel lieu atypique!!! Situé à cheval sur la frontière entre Canada et États Unis, ce bâtiment est surprenant... En venant du Canada, l'entrée se trouve effectivement aux États Unis. Pas besoin de passeport pour y aller du moment que vous restez sur le trottoir et que vous revenez au Canada par le même endroit...
What? Visit a library on your travels...
I confess to having a fondness for quirky (but not tacky) travel attractions. In my book, the Haskell Free Library has to be one of the quirkiest attractions that I have ever had the privilege of visiting - the building straddles the border between the USA and Canada... literally! The building includes a line down the middle indicating where the border is. Put your feet either side of the border and be in both countries at the same time! Great fun and the perfect spot for a selfie! The library staff were tremendously welcoming and had no issues with our amusement and desire to take photos, etc. It fact, the staff added to the entire experience, including giving us an oral history and tour of the historical building. The building's history is interesting and covers how the building came to be in both countries. The USA / Canada border aside, the Haskell Free Library and Opera House is a historical and beautiful building in its own right. From that viewpoint, it is also worth a visit. More information can be retrieved from their website: http:// haskellopera.com/ Haskell Free Library & Opera House 1 Rue Church, Stanstead, QC, Canada Derby Line, VT, USA Tip - You can access the library from either country. Incidentally please leave a donation with the staff. These proceeds go to preserving a 'gem'. Thanks for reading this review and my gratitude if you choose to rate it as helpful
DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE!
Built on the US-Canadian border this is a great tribute to the residents of the NEK and Eastern townships. The border runs thru the middle of the building and is marked with a black line. The culture that is on display is awesome. The plays in the playhouse are excellent!
Strange phenomena
Found a brochure on the front desk about a play being put on in the Opera house. Decided to go and see it that night. Very unusual spot: built right on the border between Canada and USA. The stage is in Canada and the border runs diagonal through the seat area. Met a couple from Quebec sitting in front of us. They said they are allowed park at the border line and walk around building into the theater with out going through custumns. The exit signs on the Canadian were in french, on the American side it was in english. Opera house was still in the original state as it was built. The play " Wait untill dark " was also very good They take american cash or canadian cash at par
Ask for the Tour
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is definitely worth a visit. You won't see a building like this anywhere else. Not only is it a beautiful building in the style of the turn of the 20th century (built 1904) but it straddles the Canada / US border, with a line actually marking the border on the floor! For $5 / person you can have a tour of the library and opera house. The Opera House is stunning and still in use. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Interesting!
The Haskell Free Library & Opera House sits directly on the U. S. / Canadian border, We visited from the Canadian side. There is a line on the library floor that separates the two countries. You are allowed to cross it. Outside there are flags against the building indicating the border. Many warning signs about crossing the border which is divided by flower pots in the street. Very crowded, limited parking.
Probably the only library where you need a library card AND a passport!
Now Derby Line, VT is small as is its neighbouring town Stanstead Quebec, the library / opera house is really small but it was so cool to visit this building. The parking is in Quebec, the front door is in the US, the books are in Quebec, and there is a black line on the floor, then go out and see the Canada sign and the marker marking the border outside, then what could only be described as the laziest border guard in the world who was just chilling in his car doing only goodness knows what. And yes apparently everyone comes to take a photo of the library!
very nice place and very cool location!
I did not get to see anything in the theater, but the library was beautiful! Very interesting and great spot. Also, the line outside the library representing the USA and Canada was pretty neat. (We straddled the line so we could say we were in two places at once)
An otherworldly place
It wasn't until I started to research for our trip to Quebec, that I stumbled upon the Eastern Townships and their association with 'Americans' wishing to remain British after Independence. I was then enthralled to learn about the 'Line' - the border between Vermont and Quebec and two unique places; Canusa St (the US on one side of the road) & Canada on the other and the Haskell. It's so weird having to stroll along the (US) pavement (under the watchful eye, and with the permission of, a US Border Patrol agent) in order to enter the building. Weird, or what! The QNEC company were busy building a set for a production that we would miss - a great shame.
ANNIE
A visit to this theater and library is a must. The Canadian border literally bisects the auditorium! The play was very well done and the actors, especially the children and " Mrs. Hannigan " were terrific.
Spirit of International Cooperation - No Passport Required
If the Haskell Free Library and Opera House had nothing to do with its placement on an international border, it would still be an institution worth celebrating and worth your visit. I love libraries, and the Haskell is one of the world's best library attractions. By far, not among the biggest and nothing like, say, the New York Public Library with its twin lions and acres of books on shelves or the Boston Public Library with its voluminous archive of American historical documents and its location anchoring Copley Square. On the other hand, the Haskell has many features those two libraries cannot match. Be sure to check the website -- www.HaskellOpera.com, available in both English and French -- and arrive in time for the tours led occasionally throughout the day by the library staff. Don't forget for a minute that this is a working library patronized by people (and taxpayers) of the two towns of Derby and Stanstead. Treat these folks as you'd like to be treated if visitors trampled over you while you were in your library back home. Know, also, that they welcome your visit. The two communities which gave rise to this triumph of reading, accumulated knowledge, and the performing arts provided us with something rather rare: a library combined with a community performing arts center. Have you seen that combination often? Probably not. On the ground floor, the library is a bright woodsy Romanesque / Queen Anne Revival delight and a treasure for any small community. (It's on the national historic registers of both countries.) Upstairs, the 400 (+ / -) seats in the auditorium are arranged in a main floor and a balcony, fitted in many cases with hat racks for the time a century ago when men wore hats more often than now. The stage is spacious; the whole thing is a post-Victorian interior masterpiece. The theater's schedule brings musicals, concerts, comedians, and other U. S. and Canadian performers to this active stage. Now, combine all that ordinary stuff of libraries and theaters with the Haskell's proud location on the international border of Canada and the United States. No accident this, but rather planned by the Haskell family donors as a way to encourage friendship between two peoples just a century after the War of 1812 and the last of the military incursions from British North America into the new United States, or vice versa. The placement on the border also pre-dates, of course, the anti-terrorist restrictions on the American side in the post-9 / 11 years. And so the Haskell is an oddity worth visiting and worth saving. A thick black line down the floor of the reading room in the library and the auditorium upstairs treads in a straight line from the middle of the turret windows, but not really considered any further in the design of the building. It's as if the architect said, " We're going to design this building to fit the site, not to conform to an arbitrary boundary line. You can draw the line on the floor if it suits you, but no wall and no doorway will rest on that line to turn one room 'American' and another room 'Canadian.' We'll just let things fall where they may to best serve patrons from either country. " So, yes, the reading room is in both countries, the main foyer is in the States, and the stacks are in Canada. Upstairs, the bulk of the auditorium is in the States but the stage is in Canada. The stairs to the second floor are in the U. S, but the newly installed elevator is in Canada. It matters not. What matters is that this is a great place to visit because it celebrates both peoples and two languages and cultures. Even more, though your visited will be casually monitored by both U. S. and Canadian authorities who keep count so that the people going in from one country exit to the country from which they entered (and who have caught not a few number of people who try to use the Haskell for nefarious schemes of illegal alien passage or illegal arms smuggling), no passport is required and the freedom of inquiry and expression guaranteed to the people of both countries is maintained and encouraged in this remarkable facility. The border just outside the library's turret window tower is marked in season by well-tended flower pots in lieu of a fence. The flower pots, guarded on most of my visits by an officer on the Quebec side, are a welcome change from the somewhat attractive but sadly needed wrought-iron fences and gates on the border across streets that joined Derby Line, Vt, and the Rock Island village of Stanstead, Que. That the fences have become routine on this peaceful border makes the Haskell Free Library and Opera House even more of a welcome exception to nearly all the rules on this border. A personal story: I once drove here in a car borrowed from my mother. I promised her I would not drive the car into Canada. As I pulled away from the Haskell's U. S. parking lot behind the building off Caswell Avenue, I realized the front tires of the parked car must've been mere inches from the Canadian border. I proudly told my Mom that I had dutifully followed her instructions down to the inch!
Be In TWO Countries At ONCE While Seeing Great Theatre!
This opera house is UNIQUE because it is in BOTH Canada and USA!!!! You can sit in a seat in the open house right ON THE BORDER without leaving your own country!!! The place has two addresses: the one listed above and 96 Caswell Avenue, Derby Line, Vermont. Moreover, there is a FABULOUS theatre group called QNEK Productions. Founded by Lynn Leimer, the Artistic Managing Director, who is currently giving the audience a great performance in ANNIE, the local talent is also well-rehearsed by another great Associate Director: Susan-Lynn Johns. Anita Morin really gets the music flowing under her direction. I have NEVER been disappointed by a performance there. The tickets are usually $15 for adults, and $13 for seniors and kids with Canadian at par. (802-873-3022 box office, and 802-334-2216 off-site.). The Opera House is a fine venue with restored plaster cherubs, and painted stage curtains depicting scenes from a more elegant time. Parking is free in the bank lot on route # 5 courtesy of Community Bank, one of the sponsors. QNEK Productions really unite The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and Stanstead, Quebec just as the Opera House founders planned so many years ago to showcase talent in both countries.