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

Best Teen Graphic Novels and Manga 2025

Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best graphic novels and manga published for teens in 2025.

Best Teen Nonfiction 2025

Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best nonfiction published for teens in 2025.

Best Teen Fiction 2025

Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best fiction published for teens in 2025.

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.

Exploring Black History for Kids: Carter G. Woodson's Legacy

Try one of these inventive books that make Black history come to life!

Best Picture Books of 2025

Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best picture books published in 2025 for kids from birth to 3rd grade.

Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2025

Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the best informational books published in 2025 for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade.

Los mejores libros en español de 2025

Chicago Public Library recomienda estos títulos como los mejores libros publicados en 2025 para niños.

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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