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.
Â
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
OBOC 2024 for Teens: Finding Community in Gaming
Check out these videogame-themed books for teens for this year's OBOC.
"Wicked" Good Teen Musicals
If you like Wicked, you'll enjoy these other teen musicals whose stories defy gravity.
Get Cooking: A Teen's Guide to Finding Your Kitchen Style
One of the best ways to start feeling more independent as a teen is to learn how to make your own meals, just the way you like them!
Voting Rights, Elections and Democracy Through YA Fiction
The elections are right around the corner! Get in the voting spirit with these YA fiction books about elections.
DÃa de los Muertos: Books for Kids
Celebrate Day of the Dead with these stories | Celebra el DÃa de Muertos con estos libros!
Transgender Awareness Week: Picture Books
Celebrate and learn more about this important week with these fantastic picture books!
Lucy Maud Montgomery and Books for Kindred Spirits
Check out these book recommendations for lovers of Anne of Green Gables.
Happy Diwali: Books for Kids
14 books to light up your celebrations.
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.