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
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.
Welcome to Derry: Picks Inspired by the Series
In anticipation of the horror series Welcome to Derry, Cordiah shares her picks similar to the films and iconic Stephen King novel.
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.
Welcome to Derry: Picks Inspired by the Series
In anticipation of the horror series Welcome to Derry, Cordiah shares her picks similar to the films and iconic Stephen King novel.
Hablemos: Fronteras e Inmigración
Libros para niños para apoyar conversaciones sobre fronteras e inmigración.
Let's Talk: Borders and Immigration
Books for kids to support conversations about borders and immigration.
Let's Get Dressed!
Use these tips from the Montessori method to help your preschooler learn to get dressed independently.
Bedtime Books for Babies
Babies and parents both benefit from bedtime routines with books.
Hablemos: Fronteras e Inmigración
Libros para niños para apoyar conversaciones sobre fronteras e inmigración.
Let's Talk: Borders and Immigration
Books for kids to support conversations about borders and immigration.
Let's Get Dressed!
Use these tips from the Montessori method to help your preschooler learn to get dressed independently.
Bedtime Books for Babies
Babies and parents both benefit from bedtime routines with books.
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.