The doors are open, but most of what happens inside a modern library has stopped. The Queens Public Library ransomware attack has knocked out computers, Wi-Fi, borrowing machines and the library’s website across all 66 branches in the New York City borough. The library says a ransomware gang encrypted its systems, and as of Thursday evening, no group had taken credit.
The library system serves Queens’ 2.3 million residents. On Wednesday, it published several alerts confirming that the disruption was caused by a ransomware attack.
What the Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack Shut Down
In a statement on Instagram, the library described a network outage affecting every location. All branches remain open on schedule, but several services are unavailable:
- The library website, queenslibrary.org
- On-site computers
- Check-out and return machines
- Free Wi-Fi access
- The QPL mobile app
- Digital services, including digital media
Some virtual and in-person programmes may also be affected, and the library has asked visitors to check with their local branch. Renewals are unavailable during the outage. The library reminded customers that it does not charge late fines on borrowed materials.
“Our IT department is working to resolve the issue, and we will keep you informed,” the library said, adding that people can call (718) 990-0728 for help.
When The Cyber Express tried to access the library’s official website, it would not load and displayed the message “This site can’t be reached.” The Cyber Express reached out to the library for more information but had not received a response at the time of writing.
Why the Impact Reaches So Far
The scale of the system explains why an outage here matters. Queens Public Library is one of the largest library systems in the country, offering free access to more than 5 million books in 50 languages.
Its reach also goes beyond its branches. It runs dozens of learning centres in public housing complexes across the borough, along with several mobile libraries. When on-site computers, free Wi-Fi and the website all go down at once, the services people come to a library for, beyond borrowing books, stop working too.
Libraries Have Been Hit Before
The Queens Public Library ransomware attack follows a series of incidents at other libraries, and the pattern of disruption looks familiar.
In 2024, the Seattle Public Library faced a ransomware attack that crippled its computer systems. On May 28, libraries across South Seattle were noticeably quiet, with signs telling patrons that all computer services were down. That included computer terminals, printing and in-building Wi-Fi, which many library users rely on.
In December 2023, officials confirmed that a cyberattack was behind branch closures and service disruptions at the London Public Library. Three of its sixteen branches, Carpenter, Lambeth and Glanworth, were closed until January 2. The library said it experienced a systems outage early on December 13, 2023, and that cybersecurity experts were engaged immediately. It worked with a third-party security firm to repair the damage.
In October 2023, the British Library faced a major outage that first looked like a technical glitch but quickly grew into a widespread disruption. It affected online systems, including the website, and onsite services such as public Wi-Fi and phone lines.
Across all four cases, the same things tend to go dark: public computers, Wi-Fi and websites. Each library cyberattack shows how much everyday library services now depend on networks that can be taken down in one go.
What Is Still Unknown About the Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack
Several key questions remain open. No ransomware gang has claimed responsibility, so it is not known who is behind the attack. The library has not said when services will be restored, whether any data was taken, or whether a ransom has been demanded.
For now, the library’s IT team is working on the issue, and updates are being shared through its social media channels.
