Textbooks can be a significant expense in college. If you need support buying books, we can help! 

The BECU Lending Library provides access to UCORE course academic materials for first-gen students on the Pullman campus. Our goal is to reduce the financial burden of purchasing books by providing some course materials for our first-generation students. The lending library is generously sponsored by BECU and supported by the First Gen Student Center.

Eligible students can apply to receive a stipend to purchase course books from the Bookie. 

Applications for spring 2024 semester are open through Jan. 10, 2024.

Apply for Funds

What Is the BECU Lending Library?

The BECU Lending Library gives first-generation students access to UCORE course materials that they will need for the entire semester. This includes physical textbooks as well as digital books, digital lab manuals, and access codes.

Who Can Apply?

First-year and sophomore first-gen students who are in need of textbook or course material assistance for UCORE classes can apply for lending library funds. We will review all applicants' financial aid packages to ensure we assist those with financial need; students who have substantial financial hardship will be prioritized.

The lending library application process is divided into two parts:

  • PART 1: Fill out the general application for eligibility for the lending library. Upload your textbook information from the Bookie as a PDF.
  • PART 2: If your application is accepted, we'll email you specific instructions on where/how to receive your materials.

What Courses Are Covered?

The BECU Lending Library provides materials for UCORE courses. UCORE (University Common Requirements) courses are part of a general education program that helps undergraduate students acquire broad knowledge and transferrable skills to complement their major. You can find a list of the courses in the FAQs.

FAQs

  • Am I eligible for assistance?

    BECU Lending Library funds are available to first- and second-year undergraduate students. Because funding is limited, students are selected to receive funds based on demonstrated need. 

    Applications from students with the highest need – for example, those with gaps in their financial aid – will be prioritized. Applications are then considered on a first come, first served basis. 

  • How much funding can I receive?

    The funding you will receive will vary depending on your need, fund availability, and the cost of the requested materials.

  • What can I buy with the funds?

    BECU Lending Library funds are for UCORE textbooks only. Textbooks for other classes, school supplies, and other items may not be purchased with Lending Library funds.

  • What UCORE courses are covered?

    Lending library funds cover the following UCORE courses:

    First-Year Experience (3 cr.)

    • [ROOT] Roots of Contemporary Issues

    Inquiry: Ways of Knowing (16-20 cr.)

    • [ARTS] Inquiry in the Creative and Professional Arts
    • [HUM] Inquiry in the Humanities
    • [BSCI] Inquiry in the Biological Sciences
    • [PSCI] Inquiry in the Physical Sciences
    • [DIVR] Inquiry into Global Cultural Diversity
    • [SSCI] Inquiry in the Social Sciences
    • [EQJS] Inquiry into Equity and Justice

    Foundational Competencies (9 cr.)

    • [COMM} Non-Written Communication
    • [WRTG] Written Communication
    • [QUAN] Quantitative Reasoning

    Integrative Learning (3 cr.)

    • [CAPS] Integrative Capstone

  • If I'm not selected/eligible for funding, what other support is available?

    Some instructors may place a copy of a book or books you need for class in the library in what are known as Course Reserves. These materials can be checked out from the library for a specific period of time (often shorter than a typical checkout time), although some may need to be used within the library only. You can find out more on the Libraries website. 

    Some textbooks are available as open textbooks, meaning they can be freely used and distributed. The Libraries website has more information. 

    You can also rent some textbooks, which can save you up to 50 percent compared to purchasing a new book.