For the last of three days, Labyrinth books on York Street has featured extended hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to cater to students itching to get their hands on their books for the semester.

“The hours are nonstop,” employee David Hubbard said yesterday. “We keep cranking books out.”

He said he had sympathy for students looking for the best deal.

“They are always shocked about how much books cost,” he said. “Especially freshmen: The whole process confuses them.”

Students also buy coursebooks at the larger, more commercial Barnes and Nobles bookstore on Broadway.