81 Branches. One Club. Unlimited Resources.
Chicago 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:
- If you're a CPS student, your student ID is your library card number.
- If you're not a CPS student, in person at any of the 81 Chicago Public Library locations. Just ask a librarian.
- 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
Poetry Month for Teens 2026
Take a stanza and read these books of poetry and novels in verse.
Arab American Heritage for Teens
12 books celebrating Arab American heritage and culture.
Earth Day Reads for Teens
Celebrate Earth Day by getting inspired to make change through these YA books!
Teen Books for the Hustle and the Hangout
In anticipation of summer jobs, Cordiah shares her top picks for the upcoming season.
Poetry Month for Teens 2026
Take a stanza and read these books of poetry and novels in verse.
Arab American Heritage for Teens
12 books celebrating Arab American heritage and culture.
Earth Day Reads for Teens
Celebrate Earth Day by getting inspired to make change through these YA books!
Teen Books for the Hustle and the Hangout
In anticipation of summer jobs, Cordiah shares her top picks for the upcoming season.
Kids Staff Picks (April 2026)
Kids and parents, check out our latest picks for good reading.
Jazz for Kids
Get excited about Jazz music with these titles that really swing!
New in Kids Books: April 2026
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
Poetry Month for Kids 2026
Read and rhyme with these poetic picture books and biographies of poets.
Kids Staff Picks (April 2026)
Kids and parents, check out our latest picks for good reading.
Jazz for Kids
Get excited about Jazz music with these titles that really swing!
New in Kids Books: April 2026
Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.
Poetry Month for Kids 2026
Read and rhyme with these poetic picture books and biographies of poets.
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.


