Leslie F. Malpass Library at WIU

The Leslie F. Malpass Library on Macomb’s campus of Western Illinois University, was opened on Sept. 5, 1978 as the main branch of the WIU Libraries. The facility provides instructional and research support to the University and community and houses more than 1 million cataloged volumes.

Boasting six levels and enclosing over 200,000 square feet, the building seats up to 1,300 people. The building’s unusual design features a four winged, or, pin-wheel shape on all levels. The 4th and 6th stories, however, were rotated 45 degrees thereby creating eight exterior bays that protrude from the building. This unique variation produced thirty-eight interior balconies with all exterior walls above the third level rising two stories high.