A ransomware attack has disrupted services across the Queens Public Library system.
The library system first reported a systemwide network outage on Wednesday, saying it was affecting its website and app, as well as checkout and return machines, renewals, on-site computers and free Wi-Fi access at all 66 branches.
As of Thursday morning, those services were still unavailable, Queens Public Library president and CEO Dennis Walcott said in a statement.
All library locations are currently open as scheduled, but some virtual and in-person programs may be impacted, Queens Public Library said on social media.
“We are working closely with the NYPD, its federal partners, City Hall, and cybersecurity experts to investigate and address the situation, and I am grateful to all of them for their quick response and professionalism,” Walcott said.
“We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we manage this challenge and continue to determine the impact to our systems, data, and operations,” he added.
According to Walcott, more than 1 million people use the library system each year.
Customers will not be charged late fines on borrowed materials during the outage, the library system noted.
In its own statement, the NYPD confirmed that it was “aware of a cybersecurity incident impacting Queens Public Library computer systems.”
“We are working with the Queens Public Library and our partners at the FBI to support ongoing investigative and recovery activities,” the department said.
Jenny Christi, who comes to the library three to four times a week to use their computers, told NY1 she had to borrow her daughter’s laptop due to the ransomware attack.
“Oh, I feel like I’m a fish out of water. You know when a fish is out of the water? That’s all I feel because I have to borrow a computer,” she said. “We can’t get to print [any] papers.”
Meanwhile the ransomware attack did not stop Tanya Jones, from coming to the library, where to Wi-Fi on personal devices is still working.
“Luckily for me, the Wi-Fi was working,” she said. “I have absolutely no Wi-Fi at home. I don’t have any data on my phone whatsoever. So to have this free access is everything.”
Library officials say they’re not sure when things will be back up and running.
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