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Haskell Free Library & Opera House
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Public Services & Government Libraries Performing Arts, Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Libraries [Edit]
93 Caswell AveDerby Line, VT 05830
(802) 873-3022
- Hours:
Tue-Wed, Fri 10 am - 5 pm
Thu 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
3 reviews for Haskell Free Library & Opera House
3 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle A.
Atlanta, GA
2/10/2010
How cool is this place? Stuck in two tiny towns and split by an international border, this special little spot was a real treat to stumble upon on my road trip through the North East and Canada.
The Haskell is not unique because it's a library and an opera house in one; it's special because the place has a distinct black line running through it to tell you when you've passed into another country. Can you imagine looking at fiction in the US before moving over to non-fiction in Canada? Imagine no more - the Haskell brings that idea to life.
The surrounding area is beautiful as well, and I had one heck of a time taking photos/videos darting across the border where French Canadian signs reigned supreme. There's a little marker outside the Haskell to let you know you've crossed one way or the other, though it seems like one would quickly figure that out when the languages suddenly switch!
It's a little out of the way, but it's certainly a grand experience as most things off the beaten path are. If you find yourself driving around Canada (Stanstead, Quebec to be precise) or Vermont, I can't recommend a stop over here. Just don't forget your passport - I went when the new rules for passport requirements into Canada weren't in place. While I assume the library doesn't mind, you'll have a hard time getting across otherwise. -
Review from Jeffrey K.
Rockville Centre, NY
5/22/2008
Honestly, it has been quite a while since I have been here -- probably 10+ years plus, but I know that not much about this place has changed. Not to mention that since Yelp does not have the ability for Canadian reviews, I had to write one which was as close to Canada as I could think of -- since I am part Canadian myself.
So, as far as being close to Canada -- you couldn't get any closer -- this beautiful old building -- built at the turn of last century -- has quite a history and a tale to tell. If you like history, odd facts and old architecture, then this is the place for you. It is so close to Canada that half of the building is IN Canada. It even has BOTH a Canadian (Quebec) and American (Vermont) address. It has even been reported that when this building underwent renovations a few years ago, special permits and agreements had to be made in order to accommodate the building codes and workers from both sides of the border.
Anyhow, they have a working Opera House with a full schedule of shows throughout the spring and summer months. The opera house is supposedly designed after the old Boston Opera House -- but on a smaller scale.
The library itself has 20,000 books in both english and french and there is a deliniation across the floor which indicates the Canadian and American border which this building stradles.
It is a bit out of the way, but if you are passing through this area,I highly recommend stopping for a quick tour (free, but donations accepted). -
Review from Matthew A.
Salem, NH
4/11/2007 1 photo
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is a an international bridge and community embassy for the north country. It is a really cool and special place. Half of the Haskell is in the US and the other half is in Canada.
This place is more than a library. It is a theater, national historic building and they offer community theater and hosts traveling shows and performance's.
