Chicago’s 81 Club: How Automatic Library Access Is Transforming Student Learning

In April 2026, the Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Public Library systems announced the expansion of a previously piloted program known as the 81 Club. Under this expansion, CPS student IDs now function as automatic library cards—no applications, paperwork, or guardian signatures required. The 81 Club removes long-standing barriers to reading, tutoring, and digital learning.

The 81 Club

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Chicago Public Library (CPL) have partnered to connect all CPS students to all 81 CPL branches. Through the 81 Club, students can check out physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks, and other digital materials using their student ID number. More than 315,000 public school students are now automatically enrolled in CPL’s extensive resources.

Students’ library access through the 81 Club also includes supplemental services, such as tutoring programs. The initiative expands library access for CPS teachers as well, upgrading their “eTeach” accounts to include additional research tools and digital collections. For students and teachers, reliable access to essential information is critical.

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Changing the Game

Unfortunately, for some families, getting a library card for their student isn’t always simple. There are many barriers to accessing much-needed free library materials, including documentation, address verification, transportation, and time.

Automatic enrollment ensures that students have access to the materials they need, including those who are undocumented, financially insecure, or in foster care.

The 81 Club began with a 2022 pilot aimed at removing educational barriers for students who wanted to use the CPL system. The pilot showed a significant increase in library usage among financially insecure students and English language learners. From there, the program grew and reframed library access as a default rather than an additional step.

Increased Access

Whether for pleasure or school, students in the CPS system have unrestricted access to print books, ebooks, audiobooks, and more. With an 81 Club card, they can also use virtual tutoring for homework help.

Students often need access to research databases such as JSTOR, but these resources are typically behind paywalls. Most public libraries across the country provide free access to these databases, and the CPL system is no different. Students can also use additional library resources, including study rooms, public computers, teen-centered programming, and reading challenges.

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As Featured in the Chicago Sun Times

The Chicago Sun-Times published a piece on the 81 Club’s expansion and its programming. One of the featured voices in the piece was Damarious Jefferson, a senior at Austin College and Career Academy, who said that “it [the 81 Club] helped me with projects, studying, even just reading a book sometimes.”

The article also highlighted how teachers can benefit from the program. According to the Sun-Times, “It grants them access to research databases, instructional tools, as well as ebooks and audiobooks that they can use in the classroom.” Acquiring teaching tools can be difficult, but the 81 Club makes these resources more accessible and affordable.

Equitable Programming = Accessible Libraries

At the end of the day, what makes the 81 Club especially important is its focus on equity and accessibility for both students and educators. Simply put, the program strengthens connections between schools and libraries—and Chicago could be the start of a broader movement.

When students are automatically enrolled in the library through school programs, reading volume increases and an appreciation for literature grows. The 81 Club shows that cities can work together with education and library systems to reduce systemic barriers. And why does EveryLibrary love to hear this? Because it aligns with our mission to expand access and reduce barriers to US public libraries.

The 81 Club demonstrates what’s possible when cities make everyday resources like libraries more accessible. Chicago has taken a meaningful, equitable step forward. Now it’s time to encourage other cities and states to remove the same systemic barriers.

If you’re interested in learning more about programs like the 81 Club, consider researching similar student access initiatives in your community. And continue advocating for expanded partnerships between schools and libraries.