The Cats 4 Cats Lending Library builds upon Books for 'Cats to expand its current resources which only provides books for a limited number of first year classes and is limited to students who meet the low income qualifications. Developing a self-service Books for 'Cats Lending Library will create a community-sourced alternative to buying books from Barnes and Noble and form a broader support network for campus that expands both the potential classes covered and the student population supported.
Feedback identifies that while The Books for 'Cats program provides an essential support to FGLI students, the financial burden does not end after year one or two. Having founded the program, the AS Academics Committee (ASG AC), recognizes a responsibility to support students throughout their Northwestern career. The Libraries' textbook reserve program was originally funded with the support AS AC's advocacy to the office of the president but has it's own limitations in supporting student need. Both programs are limited by their budgets. Working together find new and creative ways to help support its expansion. Creating a library of donated books would decrease administrative costs, expand support and foster a community among Northwestern students - FGLI and beyond - who may not otherwise deem it necessary to reach out to NU Libraries, SES, or Provost offices.