ben shekelberg 
A ransomware attack continues to plague the Butler County Federated Library System’s servers.
According to the Butler Area Public Library’s Facebook page, several of the county’s libraries began to experience technical difficulties last Wednesday (July 17th).
Due to the attack, users are unable to utilize the online catalog. Additionally, staff members are unable to electronically check out books and other materials. However, the Butler County Federated Library System has been able to serve patrons by manually checking out materials.
All Butler County libraries continue to deal with service issues caused by the attack on Wednesday, according to a press release.
Library officials confirmed that the brand of ransomware used in the attack, Ryuk, is the same ransomware that attacked the Onondaga County, NY library system last week.
Libraries do not store sensitive personal information.
Libraries in the system include: Butler Area Public Library, Cranberry Public Library, South Butler Library, Evans City Public Library, Mars Public Library, Prospect Community Library, Zelienople Public Library, Slippery Rock Community Library, North Trails Public Library and Chicora Community Library.
Since the information breach was detected, the library system has been in contact with local police and the FBI. The timeline for restoration of services is uncertain, but IT teams and library staff have been working diligently to restore services as soon as possible.
“All libraries and staff are doing their best to give their patrons and communities the highest level of service during this time and thank the public for their continued patience and understanding,” Cheryl Ferraro, the system administrator, said in the press release.
During the outage, all locations will remain open. However, some might have adjusted hours of operation and limit the number of items that can be checked out.
Some services will not be available, including use of public computers, renewal of items, library catalog access, collection of fines and placement of item holds. Other services, such as public WiFi access, will vary from library to library.
Additionally, Overdrive eBooks and downloadable audio titles will be available to Butler County Library Card holders.
While services are down, library staff is encouraging patrons to continue to use the library.
“Our libraries are at the height of their popular summer reading programs,” BCFLS Board Member Tom Cully said in the press release. “Come in to attend any of the many programs offered, read, study or just beat the heat on these hot summer days. There’s a lot our libraries offer, even with limited technology access.”
People with questions should call Ferraro at 724-283-1880.
