Director
Penni Ratley
M.P. Baker Library
Carthage, Texas 75633
penniratley@panola.edu
(903) 693-2013
Mission Statement
The purpose of the M. P. Baker Library of Panola College is to be an academic Learning Resource Center for the students and faculty of the College. The library staff strives to offer resources and services, when and where they are needed, to enhance the development of the whole student, and to offer opportunities for students to become lifelong learners.
About M. P. Baker Library
M.P. Baker Library serves as the academic and intellectual hub of Panola College. Named in honor of M.P. Baker, president of Panola College from 1951–1967, the Library supports excellence in instruction, student success, and community engagement across all campuses.
Following a major expansion and renovation, the Library offers dynamic, flexible spaces designed to support collaboration, research, innovation, and quiet study. Our evolving collection includes print and digital books, scholarly databases, streaming media, and specialized resources that support academic transfer programs, workforce and technical education, and lifelong learning.
M.P. Baker Library provides robust electronic access for students and faculty on campus and remotely, ensuring equitable access to high-quality academic materials. In addition to our collections, we offer technology-rich learning environments, public computers, wireless connectivity, study rooms, and emerging digital tools that enhance teaching and research.
As library educators, our team specializes in information literacy instruction, research strategy, and responsible technology use. We partner closely with faculty to embed instruction into courses, helping students develop critical thinking skills necessary for academic, professional, and civic success.
The Library is also home to the Fay Allison Gallery and serves as a cultural center for the College, hosting exhibits, lectures, and community programs that enrich campus life. Through our growing Institutional Archives and Special Collections, we preserve Panola College’s history while expanding digital access for future generations.
M.P. Baker Library is committed to providing exceptional service, innovative resources, and welcoming spaces that advance Panola College’s mission and institutional goals.