CPS Students Get Library Access with IDs

Imagine walking into any of the 81 Chicago Public Library branches and checking out a book, just by showing your student ID. That’s the exciting reality for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students thanks to an expanded partnership aimed at boosting youth literacy and creativity!

Introducing ‘The 81 Club’ Expansion

The program at the heart of this initiative is called ‘The 81 Club.’ Its mission is to champion the curiosity and ambitious thinking of young Chicagoans. Now, this program is being significantly expanded to include all 316,000 CPS students, making library access smoother than ever.

What’s truly fantastic is that there’s no extra application or paperwork needed. Students simply need to present their student ID to unlock a world of resources, including books, academic support, and access to online databases. This initiative, piloted in 2022, is now fully integrated into the CPS system.

Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity

Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the program’s significance, stating that “every student — no matter their ZIP code, school enrollment, or their age — will have access to library cards and programs and resources that make their lives more enriched.” This expansion is particularly crucial for students facing challenges like homelessness, those in immigrant families, or in the foster care system, where accessing resources can often be difficult.

Michael Fassnacht, board chair of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, echoed this sentiment, noting that while “talent is equally distributed across this large city in every single neighborhood, but opportunity access is not.” This program directly addresses that gap.

Celebrating Student Creativity

Adding another layer of excitement, CPS is partnering with the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. They’ll be launching limited-edition library cards for ‘Club 81’ members, featuring artwork created by students themselves! This initiative is designed to foster creative expression and allow young people to see their own art celebrated.

Kenya Merritt, acting commissioner of the department, emphasized the broader impact: “This partnership is what it looks like in action when young people have access, not just to books, but to stories, art, and creative expression. It opens doors for them. It helps them to imagine what’s possible for themselves… it helps students envision their future that’s full of opportunity.”

• Access to all 81 Chicago Public Library branches.
• Use student ID for checkouts and resources.
• Includes academic support and online databases.
• Limited-edition library cards featuring student artwork.
• Fosters creativity and imagination.

By making library access so straightforward, Chicago is making a powerful statement about equity and the importance of providing every student with the tools they need to learn, grow, and dream big. This collaboration truly makes equity real for every single CPS student.