Published in 1950, it was the first modern book to portray homosexuals positively. It is available to read, or freely download and print: History of the Quatrefoil Library. The History of Your LGBTQ+ Community Library Quatrefoil Library was named after the book Quatrefoil by James Barr.

A bright, tight copy in the pictorial dustwrapper, a little edgeworn, with some chipping to spine ends, and a closed lateral tear to spine centre. Read about the history of Quatrefoil Library in a book written by Adam Keim and published by the Friends of the Bill of Rights Foundation. Original black boards, lettered and decorated in gilt on front panel and spine. The library reopened its doors on November 1, 2013, and now has 2,700 square feet – which is double the size it had at the Richards Gordon Office Building in St. Likewise, our membership grows, and we invite you to join the unique community that is the Q Library. The collection continues to grow, now consisting of over 23,000 items, from books and DVDs to various periodicals and sound recordings. The library reopened at the renovated Richards Gordon School on June 6, 1987, with more than 4,000 volumes and over 300 periodicals. In the 1950s, Quatrefoil (pronounced cat-er-foil) became the bible for battling suicidal thoughts and embracing monogamous love, while simultaneously masquerading as straight to avoid blackmail and social ruin. The first year was one of unprecedented growth, so much so that the demand and use of the library soon outgrew the facilities. It is known for being the first American novel to depict gay relationships in a positive way. The library opened there on February 4, 1986. As David continued to buy more books, the collection soon outgrew the “closet.”ĭavid and Dick’s long-time idea of starting a lending library was realized when Matthew Stark, Executive Director of the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union, invited the Quatrefoil Library to be a tenant in MCLU’s new building on West Broadway in North Minneapolis. In the mid-1970s both he and Dick Hewetson started collecting gay-themed books, housing their collections in a linen closet. The Quatrefoil Library is the fulfillment of a dream for the late David Irwin. Quatrefoil Library was named after the book Quatrefoil by James Barr.