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
CPL’s Most Popular Books of 2024
What books did Chicagoans read most in 2024? Take a look back at the most popular titles for adults, teens and kids.
Teen Staff Picks (January 2025)
Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.
Top Picks: New Year, New Resolutions
In celebration of the new year, Cordiah shares her teen-themed picks.
Teen Best Reads of 2024
Our Teen Best Reads interns read over two hundred books this year and chose these titles as their favorite books published in 2024.
CPL’s Most Popular Books of 2024
What books did Chicagoans read most in 2024? Take a look back at the most popular titles for adults, teens and kids.
Teen Staff Picks (January 2025)
Check out our latest staff favorites for teen reading.
Top Picks: New Year, New Resolutions
In celebration of the new year, Cordiah shares her teen-themed picks.
Teen Best Reads of 2024
Our Teen Best Reads interns read over two hundred books this year and chose these titles as their favorite books published in 2024.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
20 books for kids exploring the life and legacy of a great American leader.
55 Years of CSK: Illustrator Award Winners
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winners
55 Years of CSK: Author Award Winners
Coretta Scott King Author Award Winners
CPL’s Most Popular Books of 2024
What books did Chicagoans read most in 2024? Take a look back at the most popular titles for adults, teens and kids.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
20 books for kids exploring the life and legacy of a great American leader.
55 Years of CSK: Illustrator Award Winners
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winners
55 Years of CSK: Author Award Winners
Coretta Scott King Author Award Winners
CPL’s Most Popular Books of 2024
What books did Chicagoans read most in 2024? Take a look back at the most popular titles for adults, teens and kids.
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.