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.

 

CPS Student? You’re already a member.

Here’s how to gain access:

  1. If you're a CPS student, your student ID is your library card number.
  2. If you're not a CPS student, in person at any of the 81 Chicago Public Library locations. Just ask a librarian.
  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

Black History Month 2026: Books For Teens

Celebrate Black History Month with these picks from our Teen book collection.

Teen Reads With Coquette Vibes

YA titles that remind you of the coquette aesthetic.

Spanish Teen Reads for Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LX

In anticipation of Super Bowl LX, Cordiah shares her picks of books inspired by halftime performer Bad Bunny.

Snacks in the Stacks: Chicken Soup and Sandwich

Join Library staff member Peter in his home kitchen as he makes Chicken Soup and a Sandwich from the book Taste of Home Soups & Breads.

Celebramos la cultura y historia afrolatina

Celebramos el mes de herencia afroamericana aprendiendo más de la cultura afrolatina y su impacto en el mundo.

Game On!: Winter Olympics for Kids

From hockey to snowboarding, here are 20 winter sports stories in honor of the Winter Olympics.

Let's Go to the Library: Books for Kids

15 books to help you get ready for your very first library visit.

Kids Staff Picks (February 2026)

Kids and parents, check out our latest picks for good reading.

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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