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
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.
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!
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.