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

Snacks in the Stacks: Italian American Valentine's Day Feast

Join Peter an Italian American Valentine's Day feast with recipes from Italian American Forever by Alex Guarnaschelli.

Snacks in the Stacks: Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons

Join library staff member Peter in his home kitchen as he makes Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons from Bayou by Chef Melissa Martin.

Snacks in the Stacks: Soy Sauce Chicken and Wings

Join library staff member Peter in his home kitchen as he makes Soy Sauce Chicken and Crispy Wings from Đặc Biệt by Nini Nguyen.

2025 Youth Media Award Winners for Teens

Enjoy the best books published for teens in 2024 as chosen by the American Library Association.

Kids Staff Picks (February 2025)

Kids and parents, check out our latest picks for good reading.

Ramadan Reads for Kids

20 board and picture books to help you celebrate Ramadan.

New in Kids Books: February 2025

Like to stay on trend? Here are the kids books we are most excited to read this month.

Black History Month 2025: Books for Kids

Celebrate Black History Month 2025 with these books for kids that highlight this year's theme: The Shoulders We Stand On.

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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