Chicago is making a major move to remove barriers to education, and this time, students do not have to fill out any extra forms to benefit from it.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Public Schools, and Chicago Public Library are expanding The 81 Club, an initiative that automatically connects CPS students to the resources of all 81 neighborhood library branches across the city.
That means if you are a CPS student, you are already in.
There is no application, no paperwork, and no extra step beyond having a school ID number. Through The 81 Club, CPS students can use their student ID as their library card number, giving them direct access to Chicago Public Library resources that can support learning both inside and outside the classroom.
WHAT THE 81 CLUB GIVES STUDENTS ACCESS TO
With an 81 Club account, students can:
- Access CPL online resources, including databases and online homework help
- Log on to public computers at Chicago Public Library branches
- Check out up to five physical items, including books, DVDs, CDs, and more
- Use eBook and audiobook collections through the Sora app
For CPS students, the setup is simple. Your student ID is your library card number, and your PIN is your home ZIP code. If you do not know your student ID, library staff can look it up for you.
For Chicago students, access to books, digital tools, homework help, and library technology is now built into the system.
WHY THIS MATTERS
This is bigger than just checking out books.
The expansion of The 81 Club is about making sure students across Chicago have easier access to educational tools without extra barriers getting in the way. By removing the need for separate sign-ups and paperwork, the city is opening the door for more young people to take advantage of free resources already available in their neighborhoods.
It is also a strong step toward education equity, especially for students and families who may not have easy access to tutoring support, digital learning tools, or internet-connected devices at home.
NON-CPS STUDENTS CAN JOIN TOO
Students who do not attend CPS can still become part of The 81 Club by visiting any Chicago Public Library branch.
To sign up, non-CPS students will need to provide:
- First name and last name
- School name
- Birth date
They will then receive an official 81 Club card with their student library card number. Their PIN will be their school’s ZIP code, and library staff can help look that up if needed. Non-CPS students can also access CPL’s eBook and audiobook collections through the Libby app.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chicago’s message is clear: learning should not stop when the school day ends.
By connecting students to all 81 Chicago Public Library branches through one simplified system, the city is creating more direct pathways to reading, research, academic support, and digital access.
81 branches. One club. Unlimited resources.
For thousands of Chicago students, that means opportunity is now just a school ID away.
