Chicago Expands Student Library Access Program Citywide
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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Public Library have expanded The 81 Club, a program that allows students to use their school ID as a library card, to every CPS school. The program removes barriers like paperwork and proof of residency, and a pilot showed significant increases in library use among economically disadvantaged and English language learner students.
Facts First
- The 81 Club program is now available citywide to all Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students.
- Students can use their school ID as a library card to check out books and access digital resources without any application.
- A 2022 pilot in four neighborhoods saw library use increase by 63% among economically disadvantaged students and 81% among English language learners.
- The program provides access to Sora, a digital platform with millions of eBooks, audiobooks, and classroom materials for students and teachers.
- The program removes barriers like requiring proof of residency or a guardian's signature, which can be difficult for some students.
What Happened
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Public Library expanded The 81 Club to every CPS school. The program allows any CPS student to use their school ID at any of the city's 81 library branches to check out physical books or access digital databases, eliminating the need for a separate application. The expansion follows a successful 2022 pilot program conducted in four Chicago neighborhoods.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a CPS student, you now have immediate access to the city's library collection of more than 6 million items and digital resources like Sora without needing to fill out forms. For CPS teachers, the program provides access to Sora's classroom materials and instructional tools. The program appears designed to address barriers that may have prevented some students from accessing library services, which could help level educational opportunities across the city.
What's Next
Students and teachers can begin using their school IDs to access library services immediately. The 81 Club will also release limited-edition library cards featuring artwork made by students.