A ransomware attack Wednesday on the Queens Public Library resulted in a system-side network outage that continued into Thursday and could take some time to be fixed, library officials said.
In posts on social media, the library said while all branches are open to the public, several services including the website, on-site computers, check out and return machines, and free Wi-Fi were unavailable. The library’s app and digital media services were also down.
Services remained affected as of Thursday afternoon. CEO Dennis Walcott told Gothamist the library was working closely with law enforcement including the NYPD and the FBI to rectify the problem.
“ Unfortunately, it’s part of the world that we live in right now,” he said. “So the Queens Public Library is a victim of the type of world that we’re living in, where people are launching cyber attacks against various types of entities, large corporations, and now Queens Public Library.”
Walcott said the investigation is ongoing, and it’s not yet clear who is behind the attack, why the Queens Public Library was targeted or if users’ data was vulnerable.
“ We’re getting information in on a regular basis, we have regular meetings with, the authorities and always getting updated information as far as the next steps that we need to take and also what the law enforcement authorities are doing as well,” he said.
In the meantime, library users will be able to check books in and out in person at their local branches, Walcot said. They should check with their local branches about virtual and in-person programs, which may be limited as the library works to get systems back up, he said. While renewals aren’t available, those who have books or other media due won’t be charged late fines, library officials said.
The Queens Public Library system includes 66 branches across the borough library system, including seven adult learning centers, teen centers, bookmobiles, and book bicycles.
This story has been updated with more information.
