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

Pride Month 2025: Books for Teens

Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride all year round by exploring these favorite books chosen by CPL's Rainbow Committee.

Growing Minds, Going Green: Nonfiction for Teens

Celebrate summer with these titles about activism and reconnecting with nature.

Growing Minds, Going Green: Fiction for Teens

Celebrate summer with these fantasy, romance and science fiction titles with themes of nature and adventure.

Growing Minds, Going Green: Teen Graphic Novels and Manga

Celebrate summer with these graphic novels and manga exploring the themes of nature and adventure.

Eek, Spiders!: Books for Kids and Teens

Planning on visiting Marvel's Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing exhibit at MSI? Here are 38 book recommendations for future arachnologists.

New in Kids Books: June 2025

Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.

Juneteenth for Kids

25 books to help you celebrate the history and legacy of Juneteenth.

Happy Father's Day: Books for Kids

30 books to help you celebrate Father's Day.

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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