Barton Library
At Barton, we proudly serve our students, faculty, staff, and the communities of Barton, Ellsworth, Pawnee, Rice, Rush, Russell, and Stafford counties. Whether you're attending on campus or online, our mission is to support your academic journey—and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of the Barton Foundation.
Thanks to Foundation funding, our library offers a rich and growing collection of print books, periodicals, and digital resources, including eBooks, academic journals, and streaming media—all accessible through the Library Resources page or the MyBarton Portal.
The Foundation also helps support special resources like the Cohen Center for Kansas History, a unique archive that connects students and researchers to our region’s past.
The Roman poet Horace once wrote, "Dare to know." That same spirit fuels our library’s mission: to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. With Foundation support, we provide computers, printers, scanners, Quiet Rooms, and the assistance of dedicated librarians who are here to help you in person, by phone, or via email.
Justin Winsor, first president of the American Library Association, described libraries as the “grand rendezvous” of a college—where ideas flourish and people grow. Thanks to the Barton Foundation, the Barton Library continues to be the hub of knowledge, inspiration, and student success.
We invite you to take full advantage of these resources—because at Barton, you’re never on this journey alone.
Cougar Supply Den and Closet
The Barton Cougar Supply Den is a vital resource for students at Barton, providing free food and personal hygiene products to help remove barriers that can hinder academic success, such as food insecurity and lack of access to essentials. Located within the Learning Resource Center, it ensures that all students, regardless of financial background, have access to the necessities they need to focus on their studies.
This initiative not only supports students’ physical needs but also contributes to their mental well-being. By alleviating stress over daily necessities, it allows students to focus on their education, fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. The Supply Den also normalizes the use of such resources, reducing any stigma and promoting a sense of community.
Student Emergency Assistance Fund
The Barton Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting students and offering financial relief for unexpected situations that could impact a student's ability to attend class or continue their education.
By providing these resources, the Foundation helps mitigate the financial burden caused by unforeseen challenges, allowing students to remain focused on their academic goals. Whether it’s an unexpected health issue, car repair, or other emergencies, the Foundation’s goal is to remove barriers that might otherwise disrupt a student’s ability to engage fully in their education.
This kind of support is vital for students who may be juggling academics with personal or financial struggles, and it’s a testament to how educational institutions can step up to meet the diverse needs of their student body.
Isbell Wesley Assessment Center
The Isbell Wesley Assessment Center at Barton stands as a testament to the power of giving. This exceptional facility was made possible through a generous gift, providing students with a quiet, professional space for placement testing, academic assessments, certification exams, and more. Designed to support student success from day one, the center reflects Barton’s commitment to access, excellence, and opportunity—made stronger through the generosity of its donors.