Queens Public Library in New York hit by ransomware: website, Wi-Fi, app and checkouts down
Queens Public Library network and patron services
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Queens Public Library (QPL), New York City's library system for the borough of Queens, says a ransomware attack caused a significant network outage affecting systems at all its locations. On Nov 4 2026 it first reported a network outage, then that evening said the disruption was the result of a ransomware attack. The library website, on-site computers, check-out and return machines, free Wi-Fi, the QPL mobile app and digital media services are down, and renewals are unavailable. Locations remain open as scheduled, though some programs may be affected. QPL says it is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts and that restoring its network and systems will take some time. No ransomware group has claimed the attack, and QPL has not said whether patron data was taken.
Why this severity: System-wide outage of a large public library network; no data theft confirmed yet
- Started
- Nov 3, 2026
Affected
- Queens Public Library website, on-site computers, check-out and return machines, free Wi-Fi, mobile app and digital media services
Fixed in
- Restoration in progress; nothing for patrons to patch
Timeline3
The Register reports no established ransomware group has claimed the attack yet.
Queens Public Library reports a network outage across all its locations: its website, on-site computers, check-out and return machines, free Wi-Fi, mobile app and digital media services are unavailable, while locations stay open.
QPL says the disruption is the result of a ransomware attack, that it is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts, and that restoring its network and systems will take some time. A patron email the same day also confirmed a ransomware incident.
Advisories1
News & write-ups1
Posts1
This disruption, the result of a ransomware attack, continues to impact the following services: the Queens Public Library website (t.co/Hg8ecEmoGK) On-site computers Check-out and Return Machines Free Wi-Fi Access the QPL Mobile App our Digital Media Services
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