Chicago is taking a major step to help its students access a wealth of knowledge by turning school IDs into library cards! This initiative, affectionately known as the 81 Club, has been launched to provide each student with access to over 6 million books and research tools simply by presenting their ID. It started as a pilot program aimed at removing membership hurdles for economically disadvantaged students and saw a whopping 63% increase in library visits.
Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted that this expansion means every student will have access to enriching educational resources, regardless of their ZIP code or school enrollment status. With the introduction of the digital system Sora, educators can easily tap into research data and eBooks to enhance classroom learning. This is not just a card, but a gateway to endless possibilities for Chicago’s youth. Who knew a simple ID could change lives so profoundly?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.