In a recent Seattle City Council meeting, Chief Librarian Tom Fay provided a comprehensive update on the Seattle Public Library's recovery from a ransomware attack that occurred over Memorial Day weekend. The attack, which compromised library systems, prompted immediate action from the library's IT staff, who shut down all systems to contain the breach. Fay detailed the library's response, including collaboration with cybersecurity consultants and law enforcement, as well as the establishment of interim processes to maintain library services during the outage.

Fay reported that the library has now fully recovered, restoring access to all services, including public computers and online resources. He emphasized the importance of transparency and community trust, announcing plans for an after-action review to assess the incident and improve future cybersecurity measures.

In addition to the cybersecurity update, the meeting included discussions on historic preservation. The Department of Neighborhoods presented eight landmark designations, which were subsequently voted on by the council. These designations are part of an ongoing effort to preserve Seattle's architectural heritage and include properties such as the Block House and the Beacon Hill Garden House. The council expressed strong support for these initiatives, recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the designated sites.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue enhancing library services, including the announcement of a new fall hour schedule aimed at better serving the community. The council members praised the library's resilience and the importance of maintaining access to public resources, especially in underserved neighborhoods.