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
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 (May 2026)
Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.
Building Futures, Preserving Legacies: AANHPI for Teens 2026
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Month with teen books on the theme of Building Futures, Preserving Legacies
Jewish American Heritage Month for Teens
11 books celebrating Jewish heritage.
Chapters of Chicago for Teens
Celebrate this year's summer reading theme with these stories about architecture, art, food, music, nature, sports and theater.
Teen Staff Picks (May 2026)
Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.
Building Futures, Preserving Legacies: AANHPI for Teens 2026
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Month with teen books on the theme of Building Futures, Preserving Legacies
Jewish American Heritage Month for Teens
11 books celebrating Jewish heritage.
Chapters of Chicago for Teens
Celebrate this year's summer reading theme with these stories about architecture, art, food, music, nature, sports and theater.
CapÃtulos de Chicago: Lectura de verano para niños 2026
Libros que celebran la gente, la historia, la cultura y la gastronomÃa que hacen de Chicago un lugar único.
Chapters of Chicago: Summer Reading for Kids 2026
50 stories celebrating the people, history, culture, and cuisine that make Chicago one of a kind.
Freedom Riders: Civil Rights History for Kids
Who were the Freedom Riders? Learn more about the movement to end segregation on the anniversary of the first Freedom Ride.
New in Kids Books: May 2026
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
CapÃtulos de Chicago: Lectura de verano para niños 2026
Libros que celebran la gente, la historia, la cultura y la gastronomÃa que hacen de Chicago un lugar único.
Chapters of Chicago: Summer Reading for Kids 2026
50 stories celebrating the people, history, culture, and cuisine that make Chicago one of a kind.
Freedom Riders: Civil Rights History for Kids
Who were the Freedom Riders? Learn more about the movement to end segregation on the anniversary of the first Freedom Ride.
New in Kids Books: May 2026
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
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.


