The 81 Club is a partnership between city libraries and CPS that automatically registers the district’s more than 315,000 students, with students’ school ID cards doubling as a library card. Photo Credit: Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago
Society USASchool IDs Unlock Library Access for Every Student
Chicago, in the United States, has expanded a programme that turns school IDs into library cards, giving all public school students seamless access to books, digital resources and academic support.
“With this expansion, every student, no matter their ZIP code or background, will have access to resources that enrich their lives,” said Brandon Johnson, mayor of Chicago.
The programme, known as The 81 Club, connects more than 315,000 students to a library system holding over 6 million items, including books, digital media and academic databases. Building on a 2022 pilot, it removes the need for applications or paperwork, ensuring instant access to free academic support and learning tools while increasing participation by 63% among economically disadvantaged students and by 81% among English language learners.
