Textbooks

A required textbook is a book that is required by the instructor for the course. You will most likely have readings and/or assignments from these texts. If a book is available for rental, it will be noted.

An optional textbook is one that the instructors feel would help you with the course, although no assignments will be given out of these texts. Optional books are usually study guides to accompany your textbook, but may include separate readings, dictionaries, or solutions manuals.

Purchasing/Ordering Textbooks

We now offer three easy ways to purchase your books:

In-store: Textbooks are available for in-store purchase two weeks before each semester. Come in with your schedule, and we'd be glad to help you find the correct books.

Online: Have your textbooks shipped or ready for pick-up. Orders may take up to two business days for processing.
Place your online order

Renting Textbooks

Select books are available for rental at a reduced price! You can see what books are available for rental in the store or online at https://bookstore.hvcc.edu/. NOTE: you will need your student ID and a credit card (not debit) to rent books. View our rental agreement.

Finding Textbook Information

Once you have your schedule, or an idea of the specific courses you will be taking, you can research textbook information (ISBN#, author, edition, etc.), pricing and rental options.

Online

1. Go to https://bookstore.hvcc.edu/
2. Select "Textbook Lookup" in the menu
3. Click on the Academic Term that you are researching
4. Click on the four letter department code for your class, select the three digit course code and the section number (this information can be found on your schedule)

You will be presented with a listing of books that are required and/or optional along with the price. If rental is available, that will be listed as well. Click on the book title and a pop-up box will show the ISBN#, author and edition number (if applicable).

Or, you can access textbook information in WIReD. Be sure you are not logged into your account.

1. Go to the WIReD Course Schedule page and select the term you are interested in, then click "Submit."
2. Select the course you're looking for and click "Class Search."
3. Click on the CRN and then the "View Textbook Information" button

In the Bookstore

Books are arranged by course number in the store, and there are signs indicating which course numbers are located in each aisle. When purchasing your texts, bring a copy of your schedule, so that you receive the correct books for your course and section.

We encourage students to buy their texts during the two weeks before class starts (one week for the Summer and Sprint sessions). The wait in line may be significantly shorter during this two week period than on the first day of class. Books purchased more than two weeks in advance of the start of class are not returnable.

After the sixth week of class, the Bookstore begins to return the textbooks to the publishers. If you are in need of a book, check with the Bookstore for availability. An order can be placed if it’s not in stock. The book will arrive in 7-10 business days, and you will be notified when it comes in.

How to Save Money on Textbooks

Here is some information to help save you money and time on purchasing textbooks:

• Book rentals save you money! Rent a book at a discount and return it when you are done with the class!
• Used books save you money. Used books sell for 25 percent off the new price.
• Ask your professor in the first week if any books will be required. If not, make a return before two weeks from when classes start.
• Sell your books back. During finals week and the first week of each semester are the best times to sell your books back for cash!
• American Opportunity Tax Credit. Textbook and other course material expenses – along with tuition and fees not covered by scholarships or grants – may be claimed as a tax credit on that year's tax return.
• Only need a book for one assignment? Check out the textbooks on reserve in the Dwight Marvin Library.
• Learn about a financial aid bookstore advance.