Research Resources & Support
Discover LGBTQ+ Resources and Support for Your Research
At Quatrefoil Library, we are committed to supporting your research needs. Whether you’re exploring LGBTQ+ history for personal discovery or working on a school project, we offer a wealth of resources. Access our diverse collection of books, periodicals, and archival collections. Our librarians are available to help you find the information you need and effectively explore our resources. If we do not have the resource or information you need, we will make every effort to connect you with additional sources. For assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Publications
Digital-Only Resources
Digital Versions of Print Publications
History of the Quatrefoil Library by Adam Keim (Friends of the Bill of Rights Foundation, 2009)
Dean of Liberal Arts and Associate Vice President Academic Affairs
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Learn about the fascinating history of Quatrefoil Library in Adam Keim’s , The History of Quatrefoil Library, published by the Friends of the Bill of Rights Foundation.
You may also read Dr. Stenson’s write up about the release of Keim’s book in the January 2010 issue of the Tretter Letter.
Reading the Quatrefoil Library as Self-Censorship Resistance: A Teaching Zine by The Iterative Librarian, Nicole Olila (Teaching Zine, 2024)
A brief and distinctive portrayal of Quatrefoil Library, an LGBTQ+ library in Minneapolis, Minnesota, highlighting the radical and self-reflective efforts of its co-founders, Dick Hewetson and David Irwin.
Read & learn more.
Note: Please do not reprint without permission from the author. For more information contact Nicole Olila.
A Quest For Full Equality by Ken Bronson (2004)
A Quest for Full Equality by Ken Bronson is a historical narrative documenting the gay equality movement in Minnesota.
History of the Gay Movement in Minnesota and the Role of the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union by Dick Hewetson, (Friends of the Bill of Rights Foundation, 2013)
Seeds for Gay Marriage Equality by Michael McConnell (2014) Includes archival documents.
On September 3, 1971, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell, are the first same sex couple in modern recorded history known to obtain a marriage license, have their marriage solemnized, and be legally recognized by any form of government.
Note: The digital publications listed above are available to the public at no cost. If you utilize these resources for academic research or other projects, please inform us. We are interested in monitoring their usage and may feature or promote your work.
Related Resources
The Story Of America’s First Gay Wedding 50 Years Ago (YouTube, June 9, 2021)
NBC News Now anchor Joe Fryer tells the story of Michael McConnell and Jack Baker, who were married in Minnesota 50 years ago.
Pride w/MNUFC: Michael McConnell and Jack Baker (YouTube, MNUFC July 3, 2021)
Research Guides
Discovering The Quatrefoil Library’s Lesbian Periodicals
This research guide, created by our Library Manager Nicole Olila (The Iterative Librarian) and hosted by Saint Catherine University, is designed to make our extensive lesbian periodical collection more accessible. Whether you’re a researcher or simply looking to reminisce and explore, this guide serves as a key to our valued collection.If you have any questions or would like to review any of the periodicals in person, feel free to visit the library or contact our librarians with any questions. Please note the catalog links in this guide require you to be logged in to the Quatrefoil Library catalog.
LGBTQ Activism & Rights in Minnesota: Overview
Minnesota History Center created this research guide for materials related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) activism in Minnesota.
A a comprehensive resource that seeks to addresses the unique challenges and opportunities face LGBTQ+ students face while pursuing an education created by Intelligent.
LGBTQ students have a significant presence on college campuses. In 2018, an Association of American Universities survey of over 180,000 university students found that 16.9% of students identify as non-heterosexual. While many colleges try to make their campuses welcoming to LGBTQ students, their success rate varies. If you’re a prospective college student who identifies as LGBTQ+, it’s important that you research schools to make sure they’ve created a supportive environment. In this guide, you’ll learn how to research colleges and review additional topics such as the unique challenges LGBTQ students face and the resources and legal rights available to them.
—Intelligent
