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

Congrats Grad! Books to Read if You're Finishing High School

Congratulations, Class of 2025! Check out these book recommendations if you're finishing up high school and moving on to your next chapter.

Must-Read YA Books by Arab American Authors

Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month this April with these must-read YA books by Arab American authors.

Top Picks: Geeking Out For Gamers

In anticipation of C2E2, Cordiah shares her picks for gamer related stories.

Must-Read Manga Before April’s Anime Drops!

Anime fans, get ready! April is shaping up to be an exciting month with big comebacks and new release —and we’re here to help you get ahead!

You Otter Know

Explore the adorable animals that recently returned to the Chicago River after being gone for about 100 years: river otters!

Memorial Day Origins: Books for Kids

Why do we celebrate Memorial Day at the end of May? Try these kids books that illuminate the history of the holiday.

Easter Reads for Kids

20 picture books to get you egg-cited for Easter.

Chag Pesach sameach!: Passover for Kids

20 stories to share this Passover.

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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