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

Earth Day Reads for Teens

Celebrate Earth Day by getting inspired to make change through these YA books!

Teen Books for the Hustle and the Hangout

In anticipation of summer jobs, Cordiah shares her top picks for the upcoming season.

Fresh Teen Verse Novels

April is National Poetry Month and it's a great time to celebrate with teen verse novels.

BCALA Children & YA Literary Awards: 2026

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

Easter Reads for Kids

20 picture books to get you egg-cited for Easter.

Chag Pesach sameach!: Passover for Kids

20 stories to share this Passover.

Soccer is for Everyone: Books for Kids

No matter who you are or where you live, you can play and read about soccer!

We Love Trees: Books for Kids

How do we love trees? Let us count the ways in these phenomenal books for kids.

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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