Deschutes Public Library shuts down following data breach

A breach of the Deschutes Public Library system’s communications department data forced the library system to immediately shut down Friday— both its physical spaces and many of its online ones, too — as it works to shore up its digital defenses.

“We’re taking steps to shore up any holes in our system,” said Todd Dunkelberg, Deschutes Public Library director. “We’re pretty confident the extent of the breach.”

The library caught the breach early and was confined to the communications department and affected press releases, photos and videos. Dunkelberg said no customer records were affected.

All Deschutes County Library branches will be closed for multiple days. Redmond and Bend are expected to reopen Monday and La Pine, Sunriver and Sisters will reopen Tuesday.

Library patrons will not be able to access books or materials online over the weekend.

Staff was alerted to the breach on Friday by security software, Dunkelberg said. Some files, stored on older servers, were likely breached by hackers, he said.

“We closed the libraries as a precaution,” said Dunkelberg. ” We have to shut down all the traffic in and out of our site. That affects our ability to check in and out books and provide Wifi for our customers.”

The library system hired an outside company to investigate the breach and to shore up online security defenses, he said.

Customers can still access and reserve materials by going to and through the Libby App, where library users can access eBooks, digital audiobooks and magazines.

Book drops will be closed at all locations until they reopen.

Suzanne Roig has been a reporter with The Bulletin since 2018 covering business and health in the region. When she's not working she enjoys taking her dog, Pono, out on hikes. She can be reached at 541-633-2117, suzanne.roig@bendbulletin.com.