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

Women's History Month 2025: Books for Teens

Celebrate Women's History Month with these books for teens on this year's theme, Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.

BCALA Children & YA Literary Awards: 2025

8 outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction for kids and teens by African American authors selected by the Black Caucus of ALA.

Top Picks: Dynamic Dystopia

In anticipation of Suzanne Collins Sunrise of the Reaping and Neal Shusterman's All Better Now, Cordiah shares her dynamic dystopia picks.

Diverse Horror

Jessica recommends horror stories for teens that feature characters and authors of diverse backgrounds.

Rebecca Caudill Award Nominees 2025-2026

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

Bluestem State Book Award Nominees 2025-2026

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

Monarch Book Award Nominees 2025-2026

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

Holi Hai!: Books for Kids

9 colorful books wishing you a joyful Holi!

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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