81 Branches. One Club. Unlimited Resources.
Chicago 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:
- If you're a CPS student, your student ID is your library card number.
- If you're not a CPS student, in person at any of the 81 Chicago Public Library locations. Just ask a librarian.
- 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
BCALA Children & YA Literary Awards: 2026
7 outstanding books for kids and teens by African American authors selected by the Black Caucus of ALA.
Teen Staff Picks (March 2026)
Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.
Women's History Month 2026: Books for Teens
Celebrate Women's History Month with these books for teens on this year's theme, Women as Memory Keepers.
Diverse Teen Romantasy Picks
Cordiah shares her top picks of the most diverse Romantasy titles.
BCALA Children & YA Literary Awards: 2026
7 outstanding books for kids and teens by African American authors selected by the Black Caucus of ALA.
Teen Staff Picks (March 2026)
Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.
Women's History Month 2026: Books for Teens
Celebrate Women's History Month with these books for teens on this year's theme, Women as Memory Keepers.
Diverse Teen Romantasy Picks
Cordiah shares her top picks of the most diverse Romantasy titles.
BCALA Children & YA Literary Awards: 2026
7 outstanding books for kids and teens by African American authors selected by the Black Caucus of ALA.
New in Kids Books: March 2026
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
Women's History Month 2026: Books for Kids
Celebrate Women's History Month with these books for kids on this year's theme, Women as Memory Keepers.
Celebrate Purim!: Books for Kids
9 stories to make your Purim as sweet as hamantaschen.
BCALA Children & YA Literary Awards: 2026
7 outstanding books for kids and teens by African American authors selected by the Black Caucus of ALA.
New in Kids Books: March 2026
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
Women's History Month 2026: Books for Kids
Celebrate Women's History Month with these books for kids on this year's theme, Women as Memory Keepers.
Celebrate Purim!: Books for Kids
9 stories to make your Purim as sweet as hamantaschen.
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.


