Which Library in the U.S. Has No Books and an Opera House With No Shows?

A Library Without Books? An Opera House Without a Stage?

The Haskell Free Library & Opera House, a fascinating historical gem that straddles the U.S.-Canada border. Located in Derby Line, Vermont, and Stanstead, Quebec, this one-of-a-kind building is technically home to an American library without books and an opera house in the U.S. without a stage or performances.

Now, here’s where things get quirky. According to Condé Nast Traveler, the Haskell is technically the only library in the U.S. that has no books and the only opera house in the country that lacks a stage. Sounds like a riddle, right? Well, blame geography. While the building itself is split between two nations, the books and the opera stage were placed on the Canadian side. So, if you’re looking for a loophole to say you visited a bookless American library, this is your moment.

Beyond its quirky geography, the Haskell Free Library & Opera House serves as a symbol of unity, originally built to bring Canadians and Americans together. Today, it remains a must-visit destination for history lovers, travel enthusiasts, and those who simply want to stand in two countries at once—without needing a passport.

Who Knew Donald Trump Was a History Buff? Turns Out, He’s Got a Thing for the 1908 Canada-U.S. Treaty

Move over, presidential biographies—Donald Trump is now waxing poetic about border treaties from over a century ago. Recently, he’s been name-dropping the 1908 treaty agreement between Canada and the United States like it’s the latest season of The Apprentice. But hey, maybe history is his new calling?

One fascinating piece of history tied to this treaty is the Haskell Free Library & Opera House, a truly one-of-a-kind building that straddles the U.S.-Canada border. And when we say “straddles,” we mean it quite literally—half the building sits in Derby Line, Vermont, while the other half calls Stanstead, Quebec, home. If you’ve ever wanted to be in two countries at once without getting tackled by border patrol, this is your golden ticket.

Brace yourselves, folks—this could be the next big international crisis. Don’t be surprised if Donald Trump takes to Truth Social with an ALL-CAPS RANT demanding that Canada immediately relocate the books from the Haskell Free Library & Opera House to the U.S. side of the border.

“IT’S A TOTAL DISGRACE! AMERICANS HAVE A LIBRARY WITH NO BOOKS! CANADA HAS STOLEN THEM ALL! GIVE THEM BACK—NOW!!! SAD!”

Imagine the campaign rally speech:
“Folks, this is the worst deal in history! A library with NO BOOKS on our side? Meanwhile, Justin Trudeau and his fancy Canadians are hoarding all the literature. Very unfair, very sad. We’re talking about a total book heist! I’ll tell you what, we’re gonna build a GREAT, BEAUTIFUL bookcase on the U.S. side, and we’re gonna make CANADA PAY FOR IT!”

Of course, Canada might respond with a polite yet firm statement:
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but the books are staying put, eh?”

Meanwhile, conspiracy theorists will be all over this.
“What’s Canada hiding in those books? What do they not want Americans to read?!”

And let’s be real—at this point, someone in Congress might introduce the “Make Haskell American Again” bill to forcibly relocate the books “for national security reasons.”

Will this become the next great U.S.-Canada standoff? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—when it comes to libraries, America deserves better deals!

A Library Where You Can Skip the Customs Line

The Haskell was intentionally built on the border in the early 1900s, designed as a shared space for Americans and Canadians. The main entrance is in the U.S., meaning Americans can waltz right in. Canadians, on the other hand, get to experience the most polite “border crossing” in history—just stroll across the front sidewalk and enter the building. No passport required (yet).

Inside, the magic continues. A bold black line runs across the floor, marking the international boundary. Stand in one spot, and you’re in Vermont. Take a step to the left, and voilà! You’re in Quebec. It’s like international travel for beginners.

A Love Story at the Border

The Haskell isn’t just a cool travel destination—it’s also a love story written in bricks and mortar. The mastermind behind the library was Martha Stewart Haskell, a Canadian who married an American merchant. In a beautiful tribute to their cross-border romance, she envisioned a space that would bring both countries together. Even the construction team was a perfect split: the architects hailed from both Canada and the U.S., and the masons laying the bricks came from either side of the border. Talk about international teamwork!

A Meeting Place for Families Separated by Borders

In recent years, the Haskell has taken on an even deeper meaning. Under Trump’s travel bans, families separated by immigration policies found refuge in this library. Because it legally sits in both countries, it became an unexpected reunion spot—offering people a chance to embrace loved ones without stepping foot past border control.

A Rising Star in Tourism

Forget standing in two time zones—Haskell lets you stand in two countries at once. With its rich history, quirky geographical oddities, and deep symbolism of unity, it’s no wonder the Haskell Free Library & Opera House is becoming a must-visit destination for travelers and history buffs alike.

So, while Trump might be busy brushing up on his early 20th-century treaties, the rest of us can enjoy the Haskell for what it truly is: a rare and beautiful reminder that borders don’t always have to divide us.

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