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

Native American Heritage Month for Teens (2025)

Celebrate Native American heritage and culture with these books for teens chosen by the Native and Indigenous Allies Committee.

Polish American Heritage Month for Teens (2025)

Celebrate the history of Polish Americans with these teen reads.

In The Cards: Tarot in YA Fiction

The ancient art of tarot is part of the contemporary world in these YA fiction picks.

Paranormal Teen Romances for Twilight's 20th Anniversary

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Twilight with some other great YA paranormal romances this spooky season.

Native American Heritage Month Reads for Kids 2025

Celebrate Native American heritage and culture all year with these excellent books for kids.

Baking Memories One Loaf at a Time: Books for Kids

Love making and eating freshly baked bread? You can get mixing and rolling with these delicious books perfect for kid bakers!

Activism for Kids/Activismo para niños

From making a sign to singing a song, these picture books prove you're never too small to make your voice heard or help a neighbor.

National Author's Day for Kids

Learn more about authors you love with these biographies recommended by Robin!

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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