Queens Public Library network down after ransomware attack

A ransomware attack on Wednesday caused a system-side network outage at the Queens Public Library that continued into Thursday, library officials said. They said it could take some time to fix.

In social media posts, the library said all branches were open to the public. However, several services were unavailable, including the website, on-site computers, check-out and return machines, and free Wi-Fi. The library's app and digital media services were also down. Services were still affected as of Thursday afternoon.

CEO Dennis Walcott told Gothamist the library was working closely with law enforcement, including the NYPD and the FBI. He described the library as a victim of a world in which people launch cyber attacks against many kinds of organizations. Walcott said the investigation is ongoing. It is not yet clear who is behind the attack, why the library was targeted, or whether users' data was vulnerable. He said the library receives updated information regularly and meets with the authorities.

Walcott said users can check books in and out in person at their local branches. He advised people to ask their branches about virtual and in-person programs, which may be limited while systems are restored. Renewals are not available, but library officials said people with items due will not be charged late fines.

The Queens Public Library system has 66 branches, including seven adult learning centers, teen centers, bookmobiles and book bicycles.