Resume after cyber attack at Toronto Public Library

Toronto Public Library says borrowers will be able to keep books again when it begins returning items to circulation after a cyber attack in the fall.

In a news release, TPL confirmed that its circulation system is back to normal and that new materials are being added to the shelves.

“This week we took a big step in our restoration work,” the library wrote.

“Over the past few weeks, we have been busy preparing for the circulation of more than one million goods. We will soon start sending library materials, including trunks, to branches.”

The library noted that in the coming weeks, “shelves in branches will look much fuller” and patrons will be notified of available storage.

Toronto Public Library (TPL) users have been unable to hold books, access their accounts or use computers on site since the incident more than three months ago.

The October 23 cyber attack led to the theft of employees' personal information, including Social Security numbers and copies of government-issued identification cards.

The library's online catalog, along with online accounts, is not yet available, but TPL officials said they will help customers locate, manage and resolve temporary delays.

Staff at local branches can assist customers, or alternatively, library patrons can email [email protected] or call 416-397-5981 for assistance.

“We continue to recover from the cyber security incident that compromised all library systems and technology. Restoring systems and services at 100 library branches is a daunting task and we are making progress in our recovery efforts,” the library wrote.

“It is important to keep customers informed of this progress through regular communication.”