Last updated: Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 4:40 p.m.
We are pleased to report that as of today, The Seattle Public Library has restored the public services that were affected by the cybersecurity event (specifically, a ransomware attack) that has affected our technology and services since Memorial Day weekend. You can learn more about our investigation into this event at
www.spl.org/Statement.
Currently Available Services & Timeline of Recovery
As of today, we have restored access to public computers, the
Suggest a Title form and
pickup lockers. We have also developed an interim solution for
online Library card sign-ups, just in time for
Library Card Sign-Up Month!
We are so grateful to your patience as we have worked to restore services and fulfill the long list of new holds patrons have placed. Please continue to review your holds list and cancel those you’re no longer interested in, which will help us and help you!
Below we list out services that have been restored since the ransomware attack. If you see anything missing or have questions, feel free to contact us at
www.spl.org/Ask.
Library service
|
Availability
|
| ACCOUNT SERVICES |
| New Library cards (in person) |
Available now |
| New Library cards (online) |
Available now |
| Patron account access |
Available now |
| LIBRARY SPACES |
| Library Open Hours |
Available now |
| Meeting Rooms and Study Spaces |
Available now |
| INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES |
| Ask Us! |
Available now Staff at all locations are available to assist you with your questions during open hours. We also continue answering questions through our Ask Us chat, phone line (206-386-4636) and email. |
| PROGRAMS AND EVENTS |
| Events |
Available now Learn more about our author readings and community events at www.spl.org/Calendar.
Don’t miss our:
– Adult 50+ events
– Arts and culture events
– Author and book events
– Business and nonprofit events
– Civic and social services events
– Family story times
– Learning events
– Teen events |
| BOOKS AND MATERIALS |
| Physical item check-outs |
Available now |
| Physical item self-checkout |
Available now |
| Physical item returns / due dates |
Available now
Now that we can again check in materials, you’re welcome to return materials at your convenience. But no rush! You will see due dates for Aug. 31 or later on your checkouts. |
| E-books & e-audiobooks |
Available now
Through the Libby app and OverDrive. |
| Placing new holds on digital books and physical books |
Available now
|
| Library catalog |
Available now
Keep in mind that title availability details may be out of date while the catalog continues to update with new information. Catalog stations in libraries are also available |
| Inter-Library Loan |
Available now but with a limit of one item per month |
| Suggest a Title |
Available now |
| Peak Picks |
Available now |
| SPL Pickup Lockers |
Available now |
| Mobile Library Services |
Available now
In-person Bookmobile visits have continued. Home Service and Books by Mail have continued as well. |
| TECHNOLOGY SERVICES |
| Computers |
Available now |
| Wi-Fi |
Available now |
| Printing (via Wi-Fi and Email) |
Available now |
| Scanning/Faxing with ScanEZ |
Available now |
| Catalog stations (in-building) |
Available now |
| Microfilm/microfiche |
Available now |
| DIGITAL SERVICES |
| Library website |
Available now |
| Streaming services |
Available now
Borrow movies, music, comics and TV shows through Hoopla. Stream documentaries, Oscar winners, and favorites from A24 and the Criterion Collection with Kanopy. |
| Museum Pass |
Available now |
| Playback |
Available now |
| Seattle Room Digital Collections |
Available now |
| Online Newspapers and Magazines |
Available now
Access thousands of publications, including the latest magazine issues through Flipster, PressReader and more, as well as digital access to the New York Times, Seattle Times, Seattle PI, Wall Street Journal and Washington post. |
| Online Learning Tools |
Available now
Includes access to free Adult Tutoring, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and classes to master software programs or new languages. |
| Student Research Tools |
Available now
Free access to encyclopedias, articles, databases and K-12 Virtual Tutoring. |
| All Online Resources |
Available now
Includes access to free Adult Tutoring, LinkedIn Learning, O’Reilly Complete Library, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and classes to master software programs or new languages. |
Thank you for your support!
We have been overwhelmed by the community’s support, patience and understanding as we navigate this difficult situation. Be sure to check this blog regularly for updates. You can also follow our social channels (
Facebook,
X/Twitter, and
Instagram) for news about our services.
15 responses to “An update about access to Library technology systems”
[…] a post on its Shelf Talk Blog, the Seattle Public Library detailed the cybersecurity attack which started in the early morning […]
Thanks for the update on the attack; I’m sorry you had to spend your holiday weekend dealing with that crisis. Amazingly quick response; I was surprised to see the system back already. Cheers to that, and know that the patrons support you! Thank you!
[…] as we can to confirm the extent of the impacts and restore full functionality to our systems,” library officials said. Ensuring the privacy and security of patron and employee information remains a top priority, and […]
Thank you for the updates and your dedication. Much appreciated.
What’s the extension status of checked-out and ready-to-pickup items? Without account access, I have no idea which of my checked-out items may be overdue or which of my hold items may be awaiting pickup. Thank you.
[…] just realized maybe I am also experiencing some distress and feelings of loss and insecurity due to the Seattle Public Library’s “cybersecurity event” that has made checking out eboo…. It could be making me want to stockpile books because OMG look how this can happen! You can lose […]
Maybe you could connect folks trying to log in to this information page.
What is the status please? Any idea when all online services will be available? Thank you.
[…] una publicación en su Blog de charla sobre estantesla Biblioteca Pública de Seattle detalló el ataque de ciberseguridad que comenzó en las primeras […]
Please provide brief daily blog updates on what new services are back online or estimate of when offered. Most recent post is several days old.
Any timing on when we can access the library yet? (E-books, catalog, etc).?
[…] La biblioteca, con 27 sucursales en Seattle, dijo que espera tener más información la próxima semana sobre el cronograma y el orden de recuperación de los servicios que aún no están disponibles. Está disponible una lista de servicios que se han restablecido hasta el momento, como los libros electrónicos. aquí. […]
[…] The library, with 27 branches across Seattle, said it expects to have more information next week about the timeline and order of recovery for services that are still offline. A list of services that have been restored so far, such as e-books, is available here. […]
[…] item checked out does not have to be returned any sooner than Aug. 31, the library said in a blog post. The library also doesn’t charge overdue […]
[…] Town library is still recovering from a ransomware attack in […]