Ransomware Attack Disrupts the Queens Public Library Network

A ransomware attack on Wednesday knocked the Queens Public Library's network offline into Thursday, Gothamist reported on 5 November 2026. Spectrum News NY1 said the same day that the library first reported a systemwide outage on Wednesday.

What was down on Thursday

Branches stayed open, but by Thursday afternoon the website, on-site computers, checkout and return machines, free Wi-Fi, the app, and digital media services were still out, Gothamist reported. NY1 had the same picture Thursday morning across all 66 branches, and said renewals were down as well. Queens Public Library president and CEO Dennis Walcott described that outage in a statement quoted by NY1.

Gothamist puts the system at 66 branches, including seven adult learning centers, teen centers, bookmobiles, and book bicycles.

Patrons can still check books in and out in person. Programs, virtual or in person, may be limited, so the library asked people to check with their branch. Renewals are off for now, and late fines are waived on materials that come due during the outage, officials told Gothamist and NY1.

What Walcott and the police said

Walcott told Gothamist the library was working with the NYPD and the FBI. "Unfortunately, it's part of the world that we live in right now," he said. "So the Queens Public Library is a victim of the type of world that we're living in, where people are launching cyber attacks against various types of entities, large corporations, and now Queens Public Library."

Who attacked the system, why Queens was hit, and whether user data was exposed remain unclear while the investigation continues, he said. "We're getting information in on a regular basis, we have regular meetings with, the authorities and always getting updated information as far as the next steps that we need to take and also what the law enforcement authorities are doing as well."

In a statement carried by NY1, Walcott said: "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." He added: "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." Walcott also said more than 1 million people use the library system each year.

The NYPD told NY1 it was "aware of a cybersecurity incident impacting Queens Public Library computer systems" and that "We are working with the Queens Public Library and our partners at the FBI to support ongoing investigative and recovery activities."

What the library's outage page says now

The library's network outage page still calls the disruption a ransomware attack and a significant network outage at all locations, even though buildings are open as scheduled. The website, the QPL Mobile App, on-site computers, and digital media services remain affected; free Wi-Fi at open locations and the checkout and return machines have been restored.

Some virtual and in-person programs may still be disrupted, so patrons should check with their local branch. Renewals stay unavailable, and customers are not charged late fines on borrowed materials. Restoration will take some time. For help, the page lists (718) 990-0728. It does not name an attacker or a ransom amount.