81 Branches. One Club. Unlimited Resources.
For the first time ever, Chicago Public School 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:
- In person at any of the 81 Chicago Public Library locations. Just ask a librarian.
- In your classroom at school. Talk to your teacher!
- 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
What Would the Wicked Characters Read?
If the cast of Wicked walked into CPL, here are the books we'd recommend for each character.
Best Teen Graphic Novels and Manga 2025
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best graphic novels and manga published for teens in 2025.
Best Teen Nonfiction 2025
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best nonfiction published for teens in 2025.
Best Teen Fiction 2025
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best fiction published for teens in 2025.
What Would the Wicked Characters Read?
If the cast of Wicked walked into CPL, here are the books we'd recommend for each character.
Best Teen Graphic Novels and Manga 2025
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best graphic novels and manga published for teens in 2025.
Best Teen Nonfiction 2025
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best nonfiction published for teens in 2025.
Best Teen Fiction 2025
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best fiction published for teens in 2025.
Brave Choices: Anti-Bullying Books for Kids
25 books about making the brave choice to stand up for yourself and for others, even when that means walking away.
Celebrating Jane Addams Day
Marissa recommends books for kids to celebrate Jane Addams Day.
Exploring Black History for Kids: Carter G. Woodson's Legacy
Try one of these inventive books that make Black history come to life!
Best Picture Books of 2025
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best picture books published in 2025 for kids from birth to 3rd grade.
Brave Choices: Anti-Bullying Books for Kids
25 books about making the brave choice to stand up for yourself and for others, even when that means walking away.
Celebrating Jane Addams Day
Marissa recommends books for kids to celebrate Jane Addams Day.
Exploring Black History for Kids: Carter G. Woodson's Legacy
Try one of these inventive books that make Black history come to life!
Best Picture Books of 2025
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best picture books published in 2025 for kids from birth to 3rd grade.
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.


