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
History/Herstory/Theirstory/OurStory: AANHPI for Teens 2025
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month with these books selected by CPL's AANHPI Cultural Committee.
Congrats Grad! Books to Read if You're Finishing High School
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Check out these book recommendations if you're finishing up high school and moving on to your next chapter.
Must-Read YA Books by Arab American Authors
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month this April with these must-read YA books by Arab American authors.
Top Picks: Geeking Out For Gamers
In anticipation of C2E2, Cordiah shares her picks for gamer related stories.
History/Herstory/Theirstory/OurStory: AANHPI for Teens 2025
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month with these books selected by CPL's AANHPI Cultural Committee.
Congrats Grad! Books to Read if You're Finishing High School
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Check out these book recommendations if you're finishing up high school and moving on to your next chapter.
Must-Read YA Books by Arab American Authors
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month this April with these must-read YA books by Arab American authors.
Top Picks: Geeking Out For Gamers
In anticipation of C2E2, Cordiah shares her picks for gamer related stories.
New in Kids Books: May 2025
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
Jewish American Heritage for Kids
19 books celebrating Jewish American heritage and culture.
History/Herstory/Theirstory/OurStory: AANHPI for Teens 2025
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month with these books selected by CPL's AANHPI Cultural Committee.
You Otter Know
Explore the adorable animals that recently returned to the Chicago River after being gone for about 100 years: river otters!
New in Kids Books: May 2025
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
Jewish American Heritage for Kids
19 books celebrating Jewish American heritage and culture.
History/Herstory/Theirstory/OurStory: AANHPI for Teens 2025
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month with these books selected by CPL's AANHPI Cultural Committee.
You Otter Know
Explore the adorable animals that recently returned to the Chicago River after being gone for about 100 years: river otters!
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.