81 Branches. One Club. Unlimited Resources.

Chicago students pre-K through grade 12 have access to the resources of Chicago Public Library through The 81 Club, a special student library account.

This account allows students to access CPL’s online resources (including databases and online homework help), log on to public PCs and check out up to five (5) physical items (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.).

CPS Student? You’re already a member.

  • If you're a CPS student, your student ID is your library card number. You don’t even need a physical card!
  • Don’t know your student ID? Library staff can look it up for you!
  • Your PIN is your home ZIP code.
  • You can access both CPS’ and CPL’s eBook and audiobook collections through the Sora app (a school version of the Libby app).

Not a CPS Student? Come into any library branch to join!

  • If you are a non-CPS student, you’ll need to provide your first name and last name, school and birth date.
  • You’ll get an 81 Club card with your student library card number.
  • Your PIN is your school’s ZIP code. Library staff can look that up for you!
  • You can access CPL’s eBook and audiobook collections through the Libby app.

For more details, read the FAQ.

Ready to Get Started?

Illinois State Book Award Nominees

Lincoln Award Nominees 2026-2027

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by teens in grades 9-12. For more information, visit aisled.org/lincoln/

Monarch Book Award Nominees 2026-2027

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 5-8. For more information, visit https://aisled.org/monarch/

Bluestem State Book Award Nominees 2026-2027

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 8-11. For more information visit aisled.org/bluestem

Rebecca Caudill Award Nominees 2026-2027

The Illinois Readers' Choice Award selected by kids ages 9-14. For more information, visit rebeccacaudill.org

Teen Staff Picks (July 2026)

Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.

Epic Tales of Heroic Odysseys for Teens

Here are our top picks of Greek retellings for teens in anticipation of The Odyssey movie.

Night at the Theatre - 2026 Teen Edition

Here are some 2026 Chicago productions we're excited to watch, along with an associated teen book recommendation!

Time Bending Books for Teens

Check out these time-bending teen fiction picks!

New in Kids Books: July 2026

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

Disability Pride Month 2026: Books for Kids

Celebrate Disability Pride Month by exploring these favorite books chosen by CPL's Diversability Advocacy Committee.

How to Read With a Baby

Raising a reader starts at birth! You can start reading with your baby as soon as they are born. Here are some tips and ideas.

How to Read With a Child Learning to Read

Reading with your emerging reader is so important! CPL has lots of tips and resources to help you with this important task.

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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