Brett Dunn

During my summer, I had the fabulous pleasure of collaborating with one of the oldest, and largest, LGBTQIA+ lending libraries in the United States, Quatrefoil Library. With over 25,000 materials, including books, DVDs, erotica films, zines and periodicals, Quatrefoil Library acts as a space for education, community, and queer and trans joy. Both their collection and community space emphasize the value of not only protecting the existence of libraries, but also of safeguarding LGBTQIA+ history, stories, and voices. Quatrefoil, and other LGBTQIA+ archives and libraries, thrive subversively as rampant attacks on queer and trans folks continue to spread across the United States.

My time with Quatrefoil engaged me with a range of different work. Because the library is fully run by volunteers with no paid staff, I approached them with the intention of assisting where they needed most. In the months of June and July, I tabled at regional pride festivals introducing people to Quatrefoil, signing up folks for free library cards, and connecting with local organizations beyond the Twin Cities. I initiated gathering information about the history of Quatrefoil Library through interviews, research, and reading. The goal of this project is to continue telling the history of Quatrefoil Library, which had begun as a published book in 2008. I began conducting, transcribing, and curating ten formal interviews of long-time volunteers in order to provide sufficient information for a potential second edition of their history book. These interviews also act as oral histories, giving voice to people who dedicated countless hours to the library. Further, I helped gather information about organizations in Minnesota, and the United States more broadly, that would be valuable for Quatrefoil to connect with. Their presence in the Twin Cities has historically been large, but as they expanded their materials to audiobooks and eBooks online in 2021, they are now able to lend critical materials to LGBTQ+ people across the country. They strive to remain accessible to queer and trans people everywhere, ensuring free access to LGBTQ+ stories, history, and culture regardless of book bans and hateful rhetoric. I spent other days attending committee meetings, providing feedback on internal policy developments, and updating their website resources.

As a queer person, I have struggled to find queer mentors as I navigate my professional life. I am beyond grateful for the mentors I had the privilege of connecting with this summer at Quatrefoil. Specifically, Paul Kaefer, Board President, who guided and advised me throughout the summer; his passion for the library inspires my work as I move toward the future. I also had the opportunity to seek valuable guidance from Ollin Montes, Board Member and Co-Chair of the Programming Committee. His intentionality and care are qualities I seek to mimic. Countless other folks enhanced this stage of my professional journey. As I move forward with my academic journey, I am excited to continue working with Quatrefoil Library as a volunteer, attending committee meetings, and continuing my history project.