About Chester County Library System
The Chester County Library System (CCLS) recently experienced a data breach that compromised personal information. They take the privacy and security of their information seriously and have promptly notified affected individuals. The breach involved external hacking, which impacted a total of 1,281 individuals, including one Maine resident. The breach was discovered on October 17, 2025, after occurring on September 13, 2025. CCLS has taken steps to investigate and mitigate the effects of the breach.
What Happened
On September 16, 2025, CCLS detected ransomware on its computer network. As soon as we learned this, we immediately launched an investigation with assistance from nationally recognized third-party cybersecurity and data forensics consultants to secure our network and investigate the scope of the incident. We also alerted federal law enforcement. Through our investigation, we determined that the cyber criminals accessed data on the CCLS network from September 13, 2025 through September 16, 2025. We subsequently confirmed that the cyber criminals took data from our network. Beginning on October 17, 2025, we found that your information was affected by this incident.
The breach affected 1,281 individuals, including their personal information. The incident occurred on September 13, 2025, and the breach was discovered on October 17, 2025. Affected individuals were subsequently notified on October 28, 2025.
Next Steps
CCLS recommends that affected users enroll in a complimentary 12-month membership with Experian, which includes identity monitoring services. Users should remain vigilant for signs of identity theft and monitor their account statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Reporting any identity theft incidents to local law enforcement and credit bureaus is also advised. CCLS has taken steps to enhance their security measures to prevent future incidents.
Identity Theft Protection Services
Impacted individuals are offered a free 12-month membership with Experian IdentityWorks. This service provides identity monitoring, credit monitoring, and identity restoration support. Experian will also provide up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. Affected individuals can access Experian’s credit report and receive assistance with fraud issues, ensuring comprehensive protection against identity theft.