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.
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CPS Student? You’re already a member.
Here’s how to gain access:
- If you're a CPS student, your student ID is your library card number.
- If you're not a CPS student, in person at any of the 81 Chicago Public Library locations. Just ask a librarian.
- 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
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.
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.
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.


