How to Get Your Textbooks for Free

• Posted on 5 September 2025
• 0

Textbooks can be one of the biggest expenses of college, but did you know you might not have to buy them at all? The Jannes Library at KCAI and other library resources can help you access the books you need for free. Before you hit "buy" on an expensive textbook, here are some ways to check if you can borrow it instead.

1. Check Jannes Library First

Many professors put copies of required textbooks on course reserves at Jannes Library. These books can be checked out for a limited period, giving everyone in the class a chance to use them. If your book isn’t on reserve, you can search the library’s catalog or ask a librarian for help—they may be able to order a copy.

Need help finding your books? Visit the Jannes Library website or ask a librarian for assistance.

2. Use Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

If Jannes Library doesn’t have the textbook, you can borrow it from another library using Interlibrary Loan (ILL). This service allows KCAI students to request books from partner libraries across the country. It may take a few days to arrive, so plan ahead! Then, keep renewing your loan for as long as you need it.

3. Find a Digital Copy

Some textbooks are available as free e-books through the library’s database subscriptions. Project Gutenberg, Open Library, and Google Books also offer free access to older texts. If you're taking a general education class, there’s a good chance the reading material is available online.

4. Check Public Libraries

Don’t forget about the Kansas City Public Library or the Mid-Continent Public Library. Many public libraries have academic books and allow you to request items through interlibrary loan. Public Library cards are free to residents. And, going to KCAI makes you a resident, even if you do not call Kansas City home... yet.

5. Ask Your Professor

Professors sometimes have extra copies of textbooks or can suggest alternative readings that don’t require a purchase. They may also be willing to put a personal copy on reserve at Jannes Library for student use.

6. Use Open Educational Resources (OERs)

Ask your instructors to consider OERs. Open Educational Resources (OERs) are free, high-quality textbooks available online. Websites like OpenStax, LibreTexts, and MIT OpenCourseWare offer textbooks in a variety of subjects. If your professor is open to it, you can suggest an OER as an alternative to a traditional textbook.

Save Your Money for Art Supplies!

While not every textbook will be available through the library, it’s always worth checking before spending your hard-earned money. With a little planning, you can cut down on textbook costs and use that extra cash for art supplies, coffee, or literally anything else.