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Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Public Schools Expand Automatic Library Access to More Than 315,000 Students

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CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Chicago Public Library (CPL) are expanding access to diverse and rich digital library resources across the city through a new partnership called The 81 Club. Through this CPS-CPL partnership, the District's more than 315,000 public school students are automatically registered and have digital access to the full resources of CPL's 81 neighborhood libraries.

Through a first-of-its-kind data-sharing agreement between CPS and CPL, CPS students can instantly access library resources and materials through the 81 Club with no application, paperwork or additional steps beyond a school ID number. The initiative removes any barriers to access and creates a seamless pathway to learning beyond the classroom.

"This partnership demonstrates my administration's commitment to build a more equitable and thriving city by bringing all of government together to invest in our young people," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "By removing barriers and connecting young people to learning opportunities in every neighborhood, we are helping to ensure that students have access to the resources they need in school and beyond."

Through this partnership, CPL's 81 locations operate as one of the most accessible out-of-school learning networks in the country. Each student gains access to a 6 million-item collection, online databases, digital media and free academic support. Through library resources like Teacher in the Library and Brainfuse, students can access one-on-one tutoring both in person and online, reinforcing classroom learning in real time.

"At Chicago Public Library, the library is the city's most accessible out-of-school learning space," said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown. "The 81 Club moves us beyond access, it ensures every CPS student can step into opportunity, with the freedom to explore their interests, the joy of choosing their own path, and an abundance of books in every neighborhood. This is how we connect schools and libraries to strengthen Chicago's neighborhoods and support young people and their families."

The 81 Club also expands educators' access. With dedicated "eTeach" accounts, CPS teachers can access CPL's digital resources, including research databases, instructional tools and the Sora platform, which provides seamless access to millions of eBooks and audiobooks aligned with classroom learning. These resources help enhance instruction and deepen student engagement both in and beyond the classroom.

"This partnership reflects what is possible when we align our resources around students," said Interim CPS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King. "The 81 Club connects our classrooms to Chicago Public Library's resources, giving students more opportunities to read, explore and grow, while strengthening instruction for educators."

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The initiative ensures participation for young people facing the greatest barriers, including foster youth, unhoused youth and youth from undocumented families, without additional documentation.

The model is already driving measurable impact. A 2022 pilot found that library access increased 63 percent among economically disadvantaged students and 81 percent among English language learners, according to Chapin Hall. In Englewood, West Englewood, Rogers Park and New City, the number of The 81 Club card holders (members) now surpasses the number of traditional library card holders among highly economically disadvantaged students, demonstrating strong reach at scale. This partnership also builds on momentum CPS students have made in literacy over the past several years. State assessments show a 12-percentage point gain in literacy since 2022.

CPL will also partner with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to release limited edition The 81 Club cards featuring designs by local artists.

"Through our partnership with CPS and CPL on The 81 Club, we're expanding access to Chicago's vibrant creative community and ensuring young people see themselves reflected in the arts," said DCASE Acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt. "By connecting local artists to this initiative, we're not only celebrating talent from our neighborhoods, but also inspiring the next generation to explore, create and engage with the city's cultural landscape."

The Chicago Public Library Foundation supports the growth and innovation behind The 81 Club, supporting programs and partnerships that extend the Library's reach across the city.

"The 81 Club shows what is possible when we invest in ideas that scale access and impact," said Board Chair of the Chicago Public Library Foundation Michael Fassnacht. "This is about ensuring that every young person in Chicago can connect to opportunity, regardless of circumstance."

Beyond The 81 Club, CPL offers year-round programs that foster literacy, creativity and confidence. From early learning story times to teen internships, digital media labs and YOUmedia spaces, young people can explore interests, build skills and stay connected to opportunity.

Learn more about The 81 Club at chi.gov/81club.

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About Chicago Public Library

Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib), Facebook (@chipublib) or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).

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About Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students, beginning with the District's free full-day preschool programming for four-year-old scholars and continuing through neighborhood, magnet and selective-enrollment elementary schools that provide a rigorous K-12 education with schools that specialize in the fine arts, world language and culture, dual language, STEM, International Baccalaureate (IB), classical programs, and more. The rising District-wide freshmen-on-track and high school graduation rates reflect the hard work of the CPS community, including families, staff, and students across 635 schools. CPS celebrates the diversity of its students who cite about 180 home languages. Learn more about CPS at www.cps.edu and connect with CPS on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Chicago Public Library Foundation

The Chicago Public Library Foundation is an independent nonprofit that exists to accelerate the potential of our public library by investing in resources that transform lives and communities. Together with its civic-minded partners, the Foundation makes pathways to learning, creativity, and civic engagement accessible to Chicagoans of all ages through investment across three funding priority areas: Closing the Academic Opportunity Gap; Activating Creativity & Connection for All; and Bridging the Digital Divide. Learn more at cplfoundation.org.

About Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

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