New Toronto library and others in the community are expected to be fully opened in February after cyberattack.
Public libraries in South Etobicoke and citywide expect to back online in February after undergoing a vicious cybersecurity attack.
A large number of files, along with private information of current and former employees, were stolen in the October 28 attack against the Toronto Public Library (TPL).
Also stolen by hackers were the names, social insurance numbers and home addresses of employees dating back to 1998, including copies of government-issued identification.
TPL officials said customers will be able to see a familiar version of its website by February that will include more information on services and programs and easier access to digital resources.
Long Branch library was among the many branches affected by the attack.
It will not allow access to catalogue and search features and customer accounts.
The library also said about a million books and other materials that include returns and new items will be processed to be put back on its shelves by mid-February. Returned books have been stored in 12 offsite trailers since the cyberattack.
Some of the services unavailable included: tpl.ca, “your account”, tpl:map passes and digital collections. Public computers and printing services at our branches were also unavailable.
It has been a long three months for area and city library users following a cyber attack.
Branches in South Etobicoke are open as scheduled and Wifi is available and telephone lines are working. Materials from next month can be borrowed and returned in branches.
The library said that by mid-February, customers who placed holds will be notified by email or phone when their items are ready for pick-up. Customers can also place, cancel and manage holds with staff in branches and by telephone.
TPL is one of the world’s busiest urban public library systems, with 100 branches across the city and over 10 million books, movies, and other items to borrow and enjoy.
No one has been charged by police in connection with the incident and there are no indications as to where the hack originated.