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
Snacks in the Stacks: Red Pepper Quiche, Seafood Chowder
Join Peter as he makes Crustless Jack & Red Pepper Quiche & Seafood Chowder from Food to Die For by Amy Bruni.
Best Teen Fiction 2024
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best fiction published for teens in 2024.
Best Teen Nonfiction 2024
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best nonfiction published for teens in 2024.
Best Teen Graphic Novels and Manga 2024
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best graphic novels and manga published for teens in 2024.
Best Fiction for Younger Readers of 2024
We recommend these titles as the very best fiction published for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade in 2024.
Best Fiction for Older Readers of 2024
We recommend these as the very best fiction published for kids in 4th through 8th grade in 2024.
Best Informational Books for Older Readers of 2024
We recommend these as the very best nonfiction books published for kids in 4th though 8th grade in 2024.
Best Board & Picture Books of 2024
Chicago Public Library recommends these titles as the very best board and picture books published in 2024 for kids from birth to 3rd grade.
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.