Mission Statement

Quatrefoil Library is a community center that cultivates the free exchange of ideas and makes accessible LGBTQ+ materials for education and inspiration.

A Brief History

Holding space for queer voices and resources, resisting censorship, and fostering community since 1986.

Quatrefoil Library was founded by Dick Hewetson and David Irwin. Dick often shares the story of how, early on, David was deeply concerned about people discovering gay materials when they visited. To keep things discreet, Dick suggested they tuck their gay materials in their linen closet. As word spread among their friends, more people began borrowing books, and the idea of creating a formal lending library took shape. In 1983, over brunch with four friends, they brainstormed and started drafting plans to bring the library to life.

The library’s name, Quatrefoil, was inspired by Quatrefoil: A Modern Novel by James Barr, a groundbreaking 1950s novel that was among the first to present gay characters in a positive light, and served as inspiration to David.

Our Locations Over Time

West Broadway Building (1986)

The vision for a lending library became a reality when Matthew Stark, Executive Director of the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union, invited the Quatrefoil Library to become a tenant in MCLU’s new building on West Broadway in North Minneapolis. The library officially opened its doors there on February 4, 1986.

Richards Gordon School (1987)

The library experienced remarkable growth during its first year, quickly outgrowing its original facilities. As a result, it moved to the renovated Richards Gordon School on June 6, 1987, with a collection of over 4,000 volumes and more than 300 periodicals.

Spirit on Lake Building (2013)

The library’s current location on East Lake Street opened its doors on November 1, 2013, sharing space with Spirit on Lake housing. Today, with over 25,000 LGBTQIA+ resources, the Quatrefoil Library remains dedicated to holding space for queer voices and resources, resisting censorship, and fostering community.

“When we started the Quatrefoil Library, we made a conscious decision that there would be no censorship. We wanted it to be comprehensive no matter who might be offended.” – Dick Hewetson, co-founder

100% Volunteer Driven

Quatrefoil Library has always been 100% volunteer led and operated. We are grateful to have countless individuals give their time and resources to preserve this community space. Each year over 5,100 hours are volunteered at the library. Become part of the legacy of this institution by signing up to volunteer today.

“The Library is a testament to the two men, David Irwin and Dick Hewetson, who started acquiring for their personal pleasure, quickly realized a need in their community, and moved to fill it. Their vision, commitment and generosity is equaled only by that of all those who have worked so diligently for so many years to make their dream a reality and keep it alive.” – From The History of the Quatrefoil Library by Adam G. Keim

Remembering Key Volunteers

While it is impossible to acknowledge every volunteer who has donated their time, the library would not exist without the dedication of the following people:

David Irwin: Co-Founder of the Quatrefoil Library
1920-2009
Simply put, the Library would not exist without David.

Dick Hewetson: Co-Founder of the Quatrefoil Library
1930-2025
Simply put, the Library would not exist without Dick.

Dan Hanson: Founding Member, President of the Board of Directors
1948-2009
Dan Hanson was one of the six people who were at the original founding brunch of the Library. The Library would not exist without Dan and even in passing he remains an inspiration to volunteers today.

Dale Johnson: Volunteer and Head of Development
1967-2004
Dale’s expertise in creative fundraising and strategic planning gave the library a much-needed resource to improve its visibility and membership. The library honors Dale’s memory with the Dale Johnson Development Award, which has previously gone to someone who strives to promote the visibility and community relations of the library.

David Norris: Volunteer Librarian and Cataloger
1983-2023
David was passionate about making library resources easier to find, and in doing so helped countless volunteers and members. He worked tirelessly to ensure that bibliographic records were up-to-date, and strived to combat racism in classification systems, always working towards more equitable library practices. The Library honors David’s memory with the David Norris Memorial Scholarship, which has previously been awarded to high school seniors or college students who attend college within the State of Minnesota.