Quatrefoil Library

" Libraries are for information, and information creates knowledge, and greater knowledge eliminates the fears, suspicions, and negative emotions people feel when challenged with a belief or lifestyle which happens to be different from their own. Quatrefoil's mission is to collect, preserve, and share materials and information relevant to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other sexual minority communities. We share materials and information with everyone gay or straight, male or female, young and old, in order to create a healthier community for all people. Everyone, whether they are aware of it or not, has family and friends who are GLBTQ and we all benefit from the sharing of these experiences and the knowledge that comes from the Quatrefoil Library's resources.” Mark Ranum. Past Board President of Quatrefoil Library

Libraries have traditionally been on the front lines of intellectual freedom, and Quatrefoil is proud to continue this legacy. Our library was incorporated when our founders could not find accurate information about homosexuality. Two decades after our incorporation, while much has changed-- thriving gay publishing industry, TV shows feature gay & lesbian people, the Internet offers a virtual community-- there is still a great need for the programs and services Q offers. Books that portray a positive image of gay life and sexuality are frequently the first ones to be banned or challenged in a school or public library setting. (ALA quote).

Because we are an independent community library, we do not face the same risks of censorship, and can collect materials that others libraries can't or won't. Quatrefoil is committed to collecting and preserving these books, as well as many others for future scholars, researchers and readers. While the publishing industry is bound by what makes money, our non-profit library is not subject to the whims of the marketplace. We have a collection of over 19,000 items and will continue to preserve queer intellectual memory and creative output C. Quatrefoil Library is a safe accessible space and seeks to end social isolation of GLBT people and allies. An article titled, "If I ask, will they answer?" (Curry, A.2005) interviewed young GLBT people about searching for information and support. While many turned to the Internet, many others turned to a library, where they could find some privacy. "... The Internet, accessed at home, is now the most vital source of information for young GLBT folk of college age as they worked through coming out to friends and parents. However, this same research noted that questioning youth still living at home may be reluctant to access such information on home computers, and therefore the public library could/should provide the anonymity and safety necessary for such internet searches" Curry, A. (Fall 2005). If I ask, will they answer? Evaluating public library reference service to gay and lesbian youth. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 45, 1. p.65(11). Retrieved January 28, 2009, from Educator's Reference Complete via Gale: http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=PROF While some turn to the public library to avoid social confrontation,

Quatrefoil offers a safe place from homophobia and a place to find community. We are open to the public. Seven days a week. Open to all ages. You do not have to buy something to hang out. We have tables and chairs, and books and computers. You can come to read a book or browse a magazine. People can volunteer without needing advanced degrees or special credentials. Quatrefoil provides community connections for all. D. Libraries build political consciousness. "The library was the first place in my small and fairly conservative hometown where I really learned anything about the existence of queer communities or about the history of struggles for queer civil rights." Quatrefoil Library is a place to research and read about the past-- and plan for the future. We have an archival collection of materials pre-dating the Stonewall Riots: books and magazines that were circulated hand-to-hand and by word of mouth. We have a newsletter collection that documents some of the early queer organizations of the Twin Cities. Gay Liberation didn't just happen in New York or San Francisco; it was made in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Mankato and Mora. Quatrefoil preserves our local queer memory. In addition to documenting our past, we acquire books on current issues of the day to inform our community. Knowledge is power. Knowledge creates change in elections, policy, and betters people's lives.