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Due to a citywide ransomware attack, reported here May 4, the library’s catalog, database services and most public computers remain unavailable.
Here are some of the most important things Dallas Public Library needs customers to know, as of Friday May, 12:
Check ins are not available. “Please do not return your materials. We are overbooked,” according to a Dallas Public Library notice. “Don’t worry about overdue fines — we don’t charge them. When we’re up and running again all due dates will be adjusted to allow for the time the system was down.”
Account information, filling holds, placing requests, searching the catalog, online databases and faxing are not available.
“All holds are frozen. You will keep your place in waiting lists for materials. If you had a hold on the way, you will get the full amount of checkout time when you receive it.”
The notice also says that no library or customer information has been compromised.
Checking out materials, streaming and downloadable content from Overdrive and hoopla, wi-fi and public computers, photocopying and in-person and online programs and storytimes are all available.
Based on the most recent notice, the City of Dallas IT Department is working around the clock to get all of the city’s systems back online and departments fully functional. “The job is huge, and we simply have to wait our turn.”
Until then, visit your local branch, browse the shelves or ask the staff for help finding what you need, say library personnel. “We are still up and running —even if we have to do some things the old-fashioned way.”
The City of Dallas on Friday announced that restoration to City of Dallas, Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue websites and court systems “continues steadily” following the cyber attack more than a week ago.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax has said the city had plans and preparations in place prior to the attack which are helping with the repairs.
“Given the complexity of checking, cleaning, and restoring interoperability to remaining departmental devices, systems and applications, it will likely take weeks to get back to full functionality,” the city said in a statement Friday. “Public safety remains our highest priority. After public safety, public-facing services are being prioritized to minimize disruption of services to the public.”
Another status update is due out today, Monday, and will be posted on the city’s news page.
