In it’s third year, Project Connect’s book loan program got applications more needy students than it can help.

Project Connect, created by Associated Students Inc., founded the program to help students who can’t afford texts by lending them a maximum of two books a semester.

After counting applications on Tuesday night, Director of Project Connect Mario Flores said 449 students took book loans since the beginning of the semester.

“I’m so excited to be reaching out to more students and I hope that more students contribute to our book drive,” Flores said.

Ninety-eight students were already turned away this semester because the books they needed weren’t available from the program’s inventory. Flores is not currently accepting new applications, but he continues to work with current clients if their book needs change.

Last week, hundreds of applications and books were stacked on desks and chairsin the cramped office of room T-139 in the Cesar Chavez Student Center, while students formed a line out the door in hopes of getting their books.

During the project’s first year, only 24 students applied to receive the book aid.

“I talked about how great and fantastic this program was going to be for SF State,” Flores said. “People looked at me like I was crazy because I only had two people interested in the program.”

Any SF State student taking six or more units can apply, but priority is given to low-income students. After that, it’s first come, first served.

Student who fail to return borrowed texts by the end of the semester are charged for their books.

“I don’t think it is fair to take advantage of a program that is meant to help students,” Flores said. “We charge the students the used price of a book and use that money toward buying new books. Fortunately we’ve only had four students get charged.”

The program is run by Flores and student interns, and all funds are donated. The SFSU Bookstore gives the program $2,000 worth of credit each semester and ASI donates $800. Project Connect hosts a book drive each semester in the quad, which is where the rest of the books come from.

“The book drive is really fun because in exchange for books we serve food,” Flores said. “In December we serve tortilla soup and in May we serve ice cream. The food really helps lure students in and gets them to pay attention to a good cause.”

Flores and interns look through all the donated books to make sure they are updated editions in good condition. After adding the donated books to their inventory, Flores buys essential books he knows students will need, such as math and English. The rest of the money goes to specific requests on student applications for subjects such as human sexuality and biology.

“I wait to see which books are requested so I can use the money wisely,” Flores explained. “I want to make sure that all the books I buy are going to be used.”

Flores said the only problem is running out of money. After he buys all the requested books for the priority or early bird applicants, he can’t meet the needs of other students who are looking for a loan.

“I think that now is a good time for a project like this. It just needs more advertisement,” said junior Michelle Hartsock, 20. “Book prices are way too expensive and students can’t afford to be paying a hundred dollars for a book.”

Freshman Isabel Pang sits on the couch outside of the book program’s office to hang out and do homework with friends, but has never noticed what the program does.

“I would consider applying for the book loan program,” Pang, 18, said. “I think it’s a great idea - I just think they should talk about it at orientation so upcoming students can hear about it.”

Flores aims to expand the program and keep doubling the amount of students he helps per semester.

“Eventually I want to have our inventory online,” Flores said. “I want to have this program grow and permanently become a part of SF State.”