SEATTLE — Seattle Public Library members will regain access to e-books on Thursday, June 13.
This comes after SPL's online systems were targeted in a ransomware attack over Memorial Day weekend. The library said the disruption impacted access to staff and public computers, the online catalog and loaning system, e-books and e-audiobooks, in-building Wi-Fi, and its website.
The library contacted third-party forensic specialists along with law enforcement before taking its systems fully offline to assess the impact of the ransomware attack nearly three weeks ago.
Some library operations will resume on Thursday at noon. Members will have access to the Library’s digital book collection, which includes e-books and e-audiobooks, through OverDrive and Libby.
While the digital holds system is back, library staff still do not have access to accounts, so they will not be able to help place or reorder digital holds.
Library staff wants readers to prepare for longer wait times and some titles with no copies available. Books that were released after May 21 will not be available, as staff members were not able to purchase them.
The library system won't be back to operating as normal. It still doesn't have Wi-Fi, cannot place holds on physical items, and cannot accept physical returns. Staff members are also working to get its catalog, printing and other services back online.
Staff asks patrons to hold on to any books or items they previously checked out, as the library does not issue late fees.
Visitors can continue to check for updates on the library's website.