Down, but not out: Seattle Public Library shuts the book on two-pronged tech challenge
Despite the one-two punch of a ransomware attack over Memorial Day weekend — then the Crowdstrike software outage last week — Seattle Public Library will be back to normal soon.
Charles Wesley, the library's technology officer, gave an update to the library's board Thursday. He said he expects all normal services and operations will be fully operational within the next four to five weeks.
Wesley could not provide new details on the crippling cyberattack over Memorial Day weekend, while a criminal investigation continues.
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But he offered insight on how the library has worked to recover from the technology challenges over the last two months. He also said last week's global tech outage had a surprising effect on the system's road to recovery.
Wesley said IT technicians had to visit all 27 library locations to bring desktop computers back online. But, thanks to extra support from the city's IT department, Wesley said it only took three days — and it had a ripple effect.
"Not only did this resolve the Crowdstrike outage, but it also further accelerated our recovery timelines for the cyberattack restoration," he said.
Wesley said he believes the library is in a stronger long-term position against future cybersecurity threats. He commended library staff for their hard work over the last 60 days.
"We are at this stage of our recovery, this quickly, because of the collective efforts, big and small, of many people," he said.
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Library patrons can now return books and other checked out materials. The library has set due dates of Sunday, Aug. 31, but library officials say there's no rush and they never charge overdue fines.
Wesley said he expects access to public library computers and online systems that allow patrons to check due dates and place holds will be restored by the end of August.
A full report assessing the impacts of the ransomware attack — financial and otherwise — is expected in September.
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Sami West
Education Reporter
Sami West is a reporter covering schools in Seattle and across the Puget Sound region. She’s been on the education beat for over five years and has reported extensively on the countless ways COVID has impacted schools, students, and families. Her coverage has also focused on school finances, special education issues, the importance of early childhood education, and the growing youth mental health crisis.
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