Computer Outage Remains Ongoing At Local Libraries

The technology outage across the Butler County Federated Library System continues but residents can still use several library services.

The exact date for a complete computer restoration has still not been determined but officials say it will likely remain ongoing for the next several weeks.

Library materials can still be borrowed and no fines will be issued for late returns during this outage. InterLibrary Loan is not available for use but patrons can get a library card from neighboring counties, or Butler County Community College, for computer and printing access.

The ten libraries of the system sustained a ransomware attack on their servers on July 17.

The Butler Area Public Library posted information related to the outage on Thursday:

Technology Outage FAQ

How long will the computer outage last?

At this time, the timeline is still somewhat up in the air. However, we anticipate that this situation will last several weeks.

Why would someone launch a cyber attack on a library?

Cyber attacks of this nature, ransomware, are often attempted as a way for criminals to extort money from organizations, or just to cause general chaos for chaos sake.

Can I still borrow materials?

YES! While we are not able to access our catalog and circulation system, we are still circulating materials. We are manually scanning items into spreadsheets so that patrons can still borrow and return materials.

What about renewing materials or fines?

Because we have no access to circulation records, we technically cannot renew materials. However, fines will NOT be given during this time. If you need extra time with your materials beyond the due date, keep your materials until you are finished with them. If you receive automated notices regarding overdue items or fines, you may disregard them. Once the system is back up and running, any fines automatically added to accounts during this time will be waived.

Can I still request books from other Butler County Federated Library System (BCFLS) library locations or through InterLibrary Loan?

Unfortunately, we are unable to access these services at this time. However, your Butler Area Public Library card will allow you to visit other BCFLS libraries and borrow items on their shelves.

What if I connected my laptop/table/phone/etc. to your wireless network? Should I be concerned?

We recommend that anyone who connected their personal devices to our wifi use some type of virus scanning software, such as Malwarebytes, to scan your devices for malware.

Should I be concerned about personal information I may have entered on the library’s public use computers?

Our public computers are set to delete all temporary files and saved files when powered off for the day. No browser history or passwords are saved. No personal files are stored on the public computers.

Can I check out ebooks and audiobooks through OverDrive or Libby?

Yes, you can still use the OverDrive collection.

Should I be concerned about the Amazon account attached to my OverDrive account?

At this time, OverDrive is not using our circulation records to verify library cards, so your OverDrive account, and any associated Amazon accounts, are not connected to our circulation system.

Can we still copy/scan/fax/print?

Yes. Our photocopy services are still available, and we are still able to scan items to email or thumb drives as well. We are still able to send faxes. We can also print from a USB drive plugged into the Xerox machine, but files must be in PDF or JPEG format to print via USB.

Can I use a public library in another county?

Yes. You can obtain a library card from other counties such as Allegheny County and Lawrence County.

You can also get a Butler County Community College library card for computer and printing access.

How do I get an Allegheny County library card?

Pennsylvania residents are eligible for a free library card from Allegheny County that can be used at any Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh location, all public libraries in Allegheny County and for online resources. Adults 18 and over can register for a library card by stopping by any Allegheny County location and presenting your Butler County library card and photo ID. If your ID does not include your current address or information, you will also need to provide proof of that information.

Where are the nearest Allegheny County libraries?

Northern Tier Regional Library (off of Route 8 in Gibsonia)

4015 Dickey Road

Gibsonia, PA 15044

724-449-2665

http://northerntierlibrary.org/

Northland Public Library (off of Route 19 / McKnight Road near McCandless Crossing)

300 Cumberland Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

412-366-8100

https://www.northlandlibrary.org/

Community Library of Allegheny Valley (off of Route 28, SW of Freeport)

Harrison Library

1522 Broadview Boulevard

Natrona Heights, PA 15065

724-226-3491

https://www.alleghenyvalleylibrary.org/

Community Library of Allegheny Valley (off of Route 28, SW of Freeport)

Tarentum Library

400 Lock Street

Tarentum, PA 15084

724-226-0770

https://www.alleghenyvalleylibrary.org/

For other locations, please go to https://www.carnegielibrary.org/locations/ or call 412-622-3114.

The hours of these libraries vary, so please call ahead for complete information.

How do I get a Lawrence County library card?

Pennsylvania residents are eligible for a free library card from Lawrence County. Adults 18 and over can register for a library card by stopping by the New Castle Public Library and presenting your Butler County library card with the PA Access sticker and two current forms of ID containing your name and mailing address.

New Castle Public Library

207 E. North Street

New Castle, PA 16101

724-658-6659

www.ncdlc.org

Please call ahead for complete details.

How do I get a Butler County Community College (BC3) library card?

Butler County residents are eligible for a “free patron” library card to use the library, computers, and printing services. Visit the BC3 library circulation desk, and bring a driver’s license or other proof of Butler County residency.

Once fall classes are in session starting August 26, library users will need a parking pass. Parking passes can be obtained for free from the campus security office.

BC3 Library – Heaton Family Learning Commons

107 College Drive

Butler, PA 16002

724-284-8511

https://www.bc3.edu/services/library/

Please call ahead for complete details.

Can I return items from other counties to the Butler Area Public Library?

Yes. Items from other counties can be returned to the Butler Area Public LIbrary; however, those items may not come off your account for 1-2 weeks due to the amount of time it takes for items to arrive back to their home counties.

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