81 Branches. One Club. Unlimited Resources.

Chicago students have direct and instant access to the resources of Chicago Public Library.

The 81 Club puts the power of the 81 Chicago Public Library branches into the hands of students directly. It’s our mission to encourage and celebrate the creative and ambitious thinking of young Chicagoans by championing their curiosity.

 

CPS Student? You’re already a member.

Here’s how to gain access:

  1. If you're a CPS student, your student ID is your library card number.
  2. If you're not a CPS student, in person at any of the 81 Chicago Public Library locations. Just ask a librarian.
  3. Through the Sora app. Find it on your school’s hub.

Ready to Get Started?

Illinois State Book Award Nominees

Lincoln Award Nominees 2023-2024

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by teens ages 14-18.

Monarch Book Award Nominees 2023 -2024

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 5-8. For more information, visit aisled.org/monarch

Bluestem State Book Award Nominees 2023-2024

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 8-11. For more information visit aisled.org/bluestem

Rebecca Caudill Award Nominees 2023-2024

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 9-14. For more information, visit rebeccacaudill.org

BCALA Children & YA Literary Awards: 2026

7 outstanding books for kids and teens by African American authors selected by the Black Caucus of ALA.

Teen Staff Picks (March 2026)

Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.

Women's History Month 2026: Books for Teens

Celebrate Women's History Month with these books for teens on this year's theme, Women as Memory Keepers.

Diverse Teen Romantasy Picks

Cordiah shares her top picks of the most diverse Romantasy titles.

Rebecca Caudill Award Nominees 2026-2027

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 9-14. For more information, visit rebeccacaudill.org

Monarch Book Award Nominees 2026-2027

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 5-8. For more information, visit https://aisled.org/monarch/

Bluestem State Book Award Nominees 2026-2027

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 8-11. For more information visit aisled.org/bluestem

Seeing Green: Picture Books with Green Covers

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with 25 lucky green reads.

Database Highlights

Using CPL Databases for Research

Check out Dan's tutorial on Research Topics and Sources.

Focus on: Homework Help

Check out Jaime's guide to using Brainfuse.

Online Databases for Kids

Online Resources for Kids

Authoritative sources of information that are relevant, accurate and available 24/7.

Online Resources for Teens

Research events and concepts, find an online tutor, learn a new language and more with CPL's online resources for teens.
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