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
                                                        
                            
                    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 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!
                                                        
                            
                    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.
                                                    
                            
                    


 
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                    