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

Wilderness Survival for Teens

Lost in the wild, these teens must survive nature and one another, using every skill they’ve got to make it back home.

Teen Staff Picks (July 2025)

Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.

Disability Pride Month 2025: Books for Teens

Celebrate Disability Pride Month by exploring these favorite books chosen by CPL's Diversability Advocacy Committee.

Teens Who Take a Stand: YA Fiction About Activism

These novels show that no matter what your age is, your voice is important and can make an impact.

Quiz: Do You Know These Fictional Grandparents?

Test your knowledge of fictional grandparents in children’s books!

Cheers to Shel Silverstein

Kerry shares her love of Shel Silverstein and other poets in celebration of his birth anniversary.

Hablemos: El nuevo bebé

21 historias para ayudarte a iniciar una conversación sobre un nuevo hermano.

Hablemos: Ser un amigo

23 historias para ayudarte a iniciar una conversación sobre la amistad.

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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