QPL outage hits 6.6 million visitors as six services stay offline
Queens Public Library restored Wi-Fi and checkout machines on Nov. 10, but its website and app remain down six days after a ransomware attack.
By Julian Schulz ·
The Queens Public Library system is still operating with reduced digital capacity six days after a ransomware attack disrupted its network. As of Nov. 10, the library’s website, mobile application, and digital media services remain offline. Public computers are also unavailable at most of the system’s 66 locations.
The outage began on Nov. 4. Since then, customers have been unable to access core online tools. The library has not disclosed the identity of the attackers or the details of any ransom demand. Spokespeople said they would share more information as it becomes available. President and CEO Dennis Walcott had not returned calls for comment as of press time.
The system served 6.6 million visitors in fiscal year 2025. Those same patrons recorded 10.9 million item circulations during that period, according to Walcott’s testimony before the City Council in September 2025. The scale of the user base means the current outage affects a large portion of the borough’s residents who rely on digital access to library resources.
Restoration efforts have been partial. On Nov. 10, the library reported that free Wi-Fi is back online at all open locations. Checkout and return machines are also functioning. Public computers have been restored at seven specific branches: Central Library, Far Rockaway, Flushing, Glen Oaks, Hunters Point, Jackson Heights, and Kew Gardens Hills. Most other branches still lack computer access.
All library locations remain open during regular hours. However, some in-person and virtual programs may be disrupted. The library advises patrons to contact their local branch for specific program updates. A service alert on the library’s homepage lists which services are currently down and which have been fixed.
Customers seeking the latest status updates are directed to the library’s social media accounts on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and X. For direct assistance, patrons can call the system at (718) 990-0728. The library continues to monitor the network for further security threats while it works to restore the remaining digital platforms.
