Seattle library patrons rejoice (quietly). Digital books are back

Readers rejoice! As of midday on Thursday, Seattle Public Library's digital book collection is once again accessible to the public.

It’s the latest milestone as the library system works to recover a cyberattack last month that halted services.

E-books and downloadable audio books are once again available on OverDrive and Libby.

“While restoring e-book access is a significant step toward the library’s recovery, we still have work left to do to bring other systems back online,” said a post on the library’s Shelf Talk Blog.

Several services remain unavailable, like public computers and in-building Wi-Fi, and library staff warn that wait times for digital books may be longer than normal.

They also say some titles may not have copies available, and new books haven't been added to the electronic collection since May 21.

Details of the ransomware attack that downed systems over the Memorial Day weekend have not been shared. It’s also unclear exactly when all library services will be up and running again.

For now, the library’s 27 branches are open and simply functioning in a low-tech capacity. The welcome return of e-books and e-audiobooks comes just in time for patrons to start their summer reading.