In Rheinland-Pfalz there is a system to lend schoolbooks. It depends on the income of the parents, if the books and other material can be lent for free or at a certain cost. Please check for details at:
http://lmf-online.rlp.de/fuer-eltern.html
You can find the legal regulations at:
Certain items have to be provided by the pupils / their parents. This is true for writing and drawing material, pocket calculators or music instruments. The school authority has to provide sports equipment and wall maps.
Photocopies should not be used as a replacement for books, they can only be used in the limits of copyrights. It is customary to collect a certain amount of money from every pupil at the beginning of the school year for photocopies. The schoolboard decides about the amount.