Chicago Expands School ID Library Access Program After Successful Pilot
Similar Articles
Chicago Expands Student Library Access Program Citywide
Pizza Hut's BOOK IT Summer Reading Program Returns with Digital Updates
Atlanta 'Library Dads' Build Community and Boost Child Literacy Through Reading
Student Math Scores Show Broad Improvement, Reading Recovery Mixed
Center-left Group Assembles Policy Agenda for 2028
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is expanding a program that allows student IDs to function as public library cards, following a 2022 pilot that increased library access among economically disadvantaged students by 63%. The indefinite expansion, announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson, aims to provide all school ID holders access to over 6 million library resources. A new digital system called Sora will also be implemented to provide educators with research data and learning materials.
Facts First
- Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is expanding its school ID library access program indefinitely after a successful 2022 pilot.
- The 2022 pilot saw a 63% increase in library access among economically disadvantaged students.
- The program, known as the 81 Club, allows every school ID holder to access more than 6 million books and research pieces.
- A new digital access system called Sora is being implemented to provide educators with eBooks, audiobooks, and classroom materials.
- Removing membership requirements led to increased attendance at all 81 locations of the Chicago Public Library (CPL).
What Happened
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has expanded a program that allows student IDs to function as Chicago Public Library (CPL) cards. The expansion makes the initiative, known as the 81 Club, indefinite. Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the expansion on Tuesday at the Austin Branch of the Chicago Public Library. The program aims to allow every school ID holder in the city to access more than 6 million library books and research pieces by providing their ID number. The expansion includes the implementation of a new digital access system called Sora, which allows educators to retrieve research data, eBooks, audiobooks, and classroom learning materials.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a student or parent in Chicago, your school ID now provides direct access to a vast network of free educational resources, which may reduce out-of-pocket costs for books and research materials. For educators, the new Sora system could streamline lesson planning by providing centralized access to digital classroom materials. The program's proven success in increasing library use, particularly among economically disadvantaged students, suggests it may help bridge educational resource gaps in the community.
What's Next
With the program now expanded indefinitely, the focus will likely shift to rolling out the Sora digital system across schools and libraries. School ID holders can expect to begin using their IDs for library access soon, if they are not already. The sustained operation of the 81 Club may lead to further increases in library attendance and resource utilization across the city's 81 library locations.