CHICAGO More than 315,000 students in Chicago Public Schools will now have automatic access to digital library resources through a new partnership with Chicago Public Library, city officials announced.
The initiative, known as The 81 Club, eliminates traditional barriers to library access by automatically enrolling every CPS student into the library system using their school ID number. The program connects students to all 81 neighborhood library branches and a vast array of digital tools without requiring an application or additional paperwork.
City leaders say the effort represents one of the most expansive school-library data-sharing partnerships in the country, positioning Chicago Public Library as a leading out-of-school learning network.
This partnership demonstrates my administrations 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 The 81 Club, students gain access to a collection of more than 6 million items, including books, online databases, digital media and academic support services. Programs such as Teacher in the Library and Brainfuse provide one-on-one tutoring both in person and online, reinforcing classroom instruction outside school hours.
Library officials emphasized that the program is designed not only to expand access but to deepen engagement with learning.
At Chicago Public Library, the library is the citys 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 and the joy of choosing their own path.
The initiative also extends benefits to educators. CPS teachers will receive eTeach accounts, allowing them to tap into research databases, instructional tools and the Sora platform, which offers access to eBooks and audiobooks aligned with classroom learning.
This partnership reflects what is possible when we align our resources around students, said Interim CPS Superintendent and CEO Dr. Macquline King. The 81 Club connects our classrooms to Chicago Public Librarys resources, giving students more opportunities to read, explore and grow.
Officials said the program was designed with equity in mind, ensuring participation for students who often face the greatest barriers, including foster youth, unhoused youth and students from undocumented families, without requiring additional documentation.
Early results suggest the model is already having an impact. A 2022 pilot found library access increased by 63% among economically disadvantaged students and 81% among English language learners, according to Chapin Hall. In several neighborhoods, including Englewood and Rogers Park, participation in The 81 Club now exceeds traditional library card ownership among high-need populations.
The program also aligns with broader gains in literacy across the district, with state assessments showing a 12-percentage-point increase in reading proficiency since 2022.
City officials said the initiative will continue to expand through partnerships, including a collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to create limited-edition library cards designed by local artists.
Supporters say The 81 Club represents a scalable model for connecting students to educational resources and opportunities beyond the classroom a step toward strengthening both literacy and long-term academic success across Chicago.