An update about access to Library technology systems

Last updated: Wednesday, July 24 at 9 a.m.

Since Memorial Day weekend, The Seattle Public Library has been impacted by a cybersecurity event (specifically, a ransomware attack) that continues to affect our technology systems. You can learn more about our investigation into this event at www.spl.org/Statement.

Currently Available Services & Timeline of Recovery

Learn more about what services are available now and when remaining offline services will be restored. The Library expects that most, if not all, remaining offline services will be restored in the next 4-5 weeks. We will update this timeline weekly until service recovery is complete. Please note that recovery involves many factors, so the dates below may change.

Here are a few highlights of this week’s recovery:

Returns welcome, but no rush. Now that we are able to process your returns, feel free to bring them back to Library locations, at your convenience. Please don’t rush as it’s helpful if returns don’t come in all at once.

Due dates of Aug. 31 or later. We are setting due dates of Sunday, Aug. 31 or later for items that are currently checked out. And remember, you can bring back items any time and we never charge overdue fines.

Library service	Availability
ACCOUNT SERVICES
New Library cards (in person)	Available now
New Library cards (online)	Expected to return late July / early August
Patron account access	Expected to return late July / early August
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	Expected to return late July
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 at all! You will soon 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 (e-books and e-audiobooks)	Available now Through the Libby app and OverDrive.
Placing new holds (physical items)	Expected to return early August The Library will be working to check-in a backlog of materials before new holds can be placed.
Library catalog	Available now The Library’s catalog is searchable, though new holds cannot yet be placed. Title availability details may be out of date while the catalog continues to update with new information. Catalog stations in libraries are expected to return mid-July.
Peak Picks	Available now
SPL Pickup Lockers	Expected to return late July / early August
Mobile Library Services	Available now In-person Bookmobile visits have continued. Home Service and Books by Mail continue as well, but title availability is currently limited.
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Computers	Expected mid- to late-August
Wi-Fi	Available now
Printing (via Wi-Fi and Email)	Available now
Scanning/Faxing with ScanEZ	Available now The Delridge, Magnolia, Queen Anne and Southwest branches are experiencing issues with this service. Please call ahead for updates.
Catalog stations (in-building)	Change in schedule Expected to return late July
Microfilm/microfiche	Expected to return late July
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
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, Wall Street Journal and Washington post.NewsBank access to Seattle Times and Seattle PI expected to return mid- to late-July.
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 every Tuesday and Thursday for updates. You can also follow our social channels (Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram) for news about our services.