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Textbooks, Course Reserves and other Course Materials

A guide to help locate textbooks and course reserve materials

On-Campus Programs (to help with textbook costs)

Running Start

Running Start is a Washington State program that allows high school juniors and seniors to attend community colleges tuition-free. Running Start students are generally required to buy their textbooks, but some may be eligible to borrow those textbooks, without cost. Use the links below to find more information.

Contact them for textbook options:

MESA

MESA is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development program. MESA helps students become scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, filling an urgent need for qualified technical professionals. The primary goal of the Washington MESA Community College Program is to increase the number of historically underrepresented community college students who transfer and earn STEM bachelor’s degrees.

Contact MESA for textbook options:

Open Doors

The Open Doors program provides resources, including textbooks and other resources, to students in the program. 

"A partnership between Green River College and the local school districts (currently including Auburn, Tahoma and Kent School Districts) providing students who have not earned a high school diploma with a variety of new options to reach their educational goals. . . . For students who are meeting eligibility requirements, Open Doors pays for students' tuition, books and some course fees. Open Doors students receive one-on-one advising and wrap around services to help reduce barriers so they can focus on accomplishing their goals."

- From the Open Doors at Green River web page (linked below)

Contact Open Doors for textbook options:

TRIO

"TRiO Student Support Services increases opportunities for academic success for first-generation, low-income students and/or students with disabilities. It actively provides comprehensive academic support services and encouragement to eligible students."

Contact TRIO for textbook options:

ODEI (Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion)

ODEI students can receive textbook and course material assistance through the Book Loan Program. You can be eligible if you are

  • First generation - neither birth or adoptive parent earned a Bachelor's degree or higher 
  • Low income based on federal guidelines 
  • Underrepresented or marginalized identity/background 
  • Experiencing financial circumstances that impact success at Green River

Contact ODEI for textbook options.

Math Textbooks & Calculators

Math Textbooks at the Library

The library also has a collection of textbooks that can be checked out, including math textbooks. See:

The Math Learning Center (MLC) has a limited number of textbooks to lend to students. 

  • Classes that use the Hawkes Learning System will have access via a link provided by the instructor.
     

Graphing Calculators Online or to Borrow

Additional Departments (Art & Science)

In addition to the books and materials in the library and the other departments on campus listed in this guide, there are a few other miscellaneous materials available to GRC Students.

Microscopes

  • To inquire about borrowing microscopes, please contact Patricia Desing, in Science Instructional Support at (253) 833-9111, ext. 4345

Physics Textbooks

  • To inquire about physics textbooks for loan, please contact Heather Harper-Laux, in Science Instructional Support at (253) 833-9111, ext. 6921

Benefits Hub

The Benefits Hub will "work with you to 'get by,' by connecting you with emergency assistance and important income supports to mitigate whatever crisis you’re facing today." Textbook assistance may be available through an emergency funding grant.

The Benefits Hub helps with:

  • Food
  • Housing
  • Course Materials (textbooks, supplies, access codes...)
  • Technology (computers, headphones, webcams...)
  • Utilities (electricity, internet, water/sewer, gas...)
  • Applications for public benefits, such as food assistance, health care, and reduced-fare transportation
  • And more

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarships

Contact for help with textbook costs:

Financial Aid

To help with textbook costs, check your eligibility for Financial Aid and put in a FAFSA application: