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.

 

CPS Student? You’re already a member.

Here’s how to gain access:

  1. In person at any of the 81 Chicago Public Library locations. Just ask a librarian.
  2. In your classroom at school. Talk to your teacher!
  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

Fantasy Books Rooted in Nature for Young Adults

Nature has inspired fantasy writers for decades, and these YA fantasy books are great examples of the various ways nature can be magical.

Books that Give Summer Camp

Check out these books that will give you the full summer camp experience.

Run, Sweat, Repeat: Queer Sports Stories

Cordiah selects her top queer sports stories.

Out and Proud: 8 Must-Read LGBTQIA+ Books for Teens

Out and proud: This blog spotlights each letter in LGBTQIA+ with must-read picks for every identity.

Pride Month 2025: Books for Kids

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

BCALA Best of the Best 2024: For Kids

22 outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction for kids by African American authors published in 2024 selected by the Black Caucus of ALA.

Ready for High School?: Books for Kids

Got the starting high school blues? Get ready for high school this summer by reading some of these books for kids.

The Stonewall Riots: Books for Kids

Kids of all ages can learn more about important moments of LGBTQ history in these phenomenal titles.

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.
Back to Top