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
Wilderness Survival for Teens
Lost in the wild, these teens must survive nature and one another, using every skill they’ve got to make it back home.
Teen Staff Picks (July 2025)
Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.
Disability Pride Month 2025: Books for Teens
Celebrate Disability Pride Month by exploring these favorite books chosen by CPL's Diversability Advocacy Committee.
Teens Who Take a Stand: YA Fiction About Activism
These novels show that no matter what your age is, your voice is important and can make an impact.
Wilderness Survival for Teens
Lost in the wild, these teens must survive nature and one another, using every skill they’ve got to make it back home.
Teen Staff Picks (July 2025)
Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.
Disability Pride Month 2025: Books for Teens
Celebrate Disability Pride Month by exploring these favorite books chosen by CPL's Diversability Advocacy Committee.
Teens Who Take a Stand: YA Fiction About Activism
These novels show that no matter what your age is, your voice is important and can make an impact.
First Day of School Reads
Are you getting ready for your very first day of school? Here are 25 picture books just for you.
Kids Staff Picks (August 2025)
Kids and parents, check out our latest picks for good reading.
New in Kids Books: August 2025
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
Encuentra una gran lectura: Novelas gráficas para niños
Las novelas gráficas contienen una combinación de imagines y texto con viñetas en estilo comic.
First Day of School Reads
Are you getting ready for your very first day of school? Here are 25 picture books just for you.
Kids Staff Picks (August 2025)
Kids and parents, check out our latest picks for good reading.
New in Kids Books: August 2025
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
Encuentra una gran lectura: Novelas gráficas para niños
Las novelas gráficas contienen una combinación de imagines y texto con viñetas en estilo comic.
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.