A ransomware attack on the Queens Public Library on Wednesday has led to a significant disruption of its online services, with the outage persisting into Thursday. Library officials confirmed that while all branches remain open, critical services—including the library’s website, on-site computers, checkout and return machines, and free Wi-Fi—are currently unavailable. Digital media services and the library’s app are also down, affecting user access to resources.
As of Thursday afternoon, the library’s CEO, Dennis Walcott, stated that the organization is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD and the FBI, to address the situation. “Unfortunately, it’s part of the world that we live in right now,” Walcott remarked, emphasizing that the library has become a victim of the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks targeting various entities, including public institutions.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and it remains unclear who is responsible for the incident, the motive behind the targeting of the Queens Public Library, or whether user data has been compromised. Walcott noted that the library is receiving regular updates from law enforcement and is actively assessing the next steps to mitigate the impact of the attack.
In the interim, library users can still check out and return books in person at their local branches. However, they are advised to verify the availability of virtual and in-person programs, which may be limited as the library works to restore its systems. Notably, while renewals are not possible during this outage, users will not incur late fines for overdue materials.
The Queens Public Library system encompasses 66 branches throughout the borough, including seven adult learning centers, teen centers, bookmobiles, and book bicycles, highlighting its extensive role in the community.
As the investigation unfolds, the library continues to prioritize user access and safety while navigating the complexities of this cyber incident. For further updates, library officials are maintaining communication with the public regarding service availability and recovery efforts.
