81 Branches. One Club. Unlimited Resources.

Chicago students pre-K through grade 12 have access to the resources of Chicago Public Library through The 81 Club, a special student library account.

This account allows students to access CPL’s online resources (including databases and online homework help), log on to public PCs and check out up to five (5) physical items (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.).

CPS Student? You’re already a member.

  • If you're a CPS student, your student ID is your library card number. You don’t even need a physical card!
  • Don’t know your student ID? Library staff can look it up for you!
  • Your PIN is your home ZIP code.
  • You can access both CPS’ and CPL’s eBook and audiobook collections through the Sora app (a school version of the Libby app).

Not a CPS Student? Come into any library branch to join!

  • If you are a non-CPS student, you’ll need to provide your first name and last name, school and birth date.
  • You’ll get an 81 Club card with your student library card number.
  • Your PIN is your school’s ZIP code. Library staff can look that up for you!
  • You can access CPL’s eBook and audiobook collections through the Libby app.

For more details, read the FAQ.

Ready to Get Started?

Illinois State Book Award Nominees

Lincoln Award Nominees 2026-2027

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by teens in grades 9-12. For more information, visit aisled.org/lincoln/

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

Rebecca Caudill Award Nominees 2026-2027

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

Teen Books by Queer Authors of Color

The authors on this list write about queer Black, Asian American, Iranian American, and mixed-heritage characters finding love and identity.

Puzzling Mysteries for Teens

If you like your mysteries full of puzzles, cyphers and anagrams, get a clue and choose one of these novels.

Sports Romance for Teens

Love gets competitive in these romantic stories.

Pride Month 2026: Books for Teens

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride year-round by exploring these books chosen by CPL's Rainbow Committee.

Stories of Chicago: Activities for Kids

Celebrate our city by reading about it, the amazing people who have lived here or writing your own stories!

Chicago Takes the Stage for Kids

Dance, sing and act your way through our amazing city's stages, dance halls and fabulous books about all of it!

Green Chicago: Brain-Building Activities for Kids

Celebrate the beauty of the nature in our city with great reads and activities!

Kids, What Do You Know About Chicago?

Chicago, it's an amazing city! I've lived here for nearly 20 years and I still learn something new all the time. In fact, I learned a lot…

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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