3 Must-Try Library Card Signup Ideas
September brings things that we love – football, school is back in the swing, and the trees begin to change colors. For libraries, September brings one monthlong event: Library Card Signup Month. For this September, we went beyond some of the resources from the ALA and came up with three ideas that your library can … Continue reading “3 Must-Try Library Card Signup Ideas”
Unique Announces New Library Service Launches for Q2
Over a dozen libraries have launched MessageBee, Automated Borrower Renewal (uRenew), Verified Borrower Registration (uRegister), and Patron Services in the second quarter of 2026 Verified Borrower Registration Elk Grove Village Public Library in Elk Grove Village, Illinois launched Automated Borrower Registration. This service allows patrons to register for library cards online, streamlining the process while … Continue reading “Unique Announces New Library Service Launches for Q2”
Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it?
Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it? Libraries spend significant time and resources on patrons. But where does that attention go? What happens if libraries ignore parts of the patron cycle? The patron experience does not begin and end with a library card. It is shaped … Continue reading “Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it?”
Introducing Two-Factor Authentication for MessageBee Security
Stronger security. Same seamless communication. MessageBee’s mission has always been clear: help libraries connect with patrons in the most reliable, flexible, and effective way possible across phone, email, and SMS. As communication evolves, so do expectations around security. That is why we are introducing optional Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for registered users, a powerful new layer … Continue reading “Introducing Two-Factor Authentication for MessageBee Security”
CS Pro Tip: Keeping Unique in the loop
CS Pro Tip: Keeping Unique in the loop Customer Service Pro Tip from Teri Lynn Bullock As someone who works closely with libraries every day, I have seen how small communication gaps can lead to unnecessary delays. One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep everything running smoothly is to keep Unique informed … Continue reading “CS Pro Tip: Keeping Unique in the loop”
Smart Ways Libraries Are Using MessageBee for Targeted SMS and Email Engagement
When libraries say “We have an outreach problem,” they usually have an engagement problem. The programs are there. The services are there. The interest is often there. What makes the difference is whether the right people actually engage with the message at the moment it matters. That’s where MessageBee from Unique Library comes into play. … Continue reading “Smart Ways Libraries Are Using MessageBee for Targeted SMS and Email Engagement”
A Note from the Unique Team After PLA Minneapolis
Thank you for your interest! Unfortunately, we have given away all of our stickers. Hello All, Taking some time to reflect back on PLA in Minneapolis, I wanted to share a few takeaways from conversations I had throughout the conference. The tone across the exhibit hall felt very grounded in the day‑to‑day realities public libraries … Continue reading “A Note from the Unique Team After PLA Minneapolis”
Who Are Virtual Patrons?
As libraries expand beyond physical buildings, the concept of the “patron” has evolved. Increasingly, libraries serve users who may never walk through the front door yet rely heavily on library services. These individuals are commonly referred to as virtual patrons—and understanding who they are is essential for designing effective, inclusive library services. Defining the Virtual … Continue reading “Who Are Virtual Patrons?”
Automatically Renew and Register Patron Cards: How Unique’s Secure and Automated System Stacks Up
Libraries need borrower systems that reduce workload, protect access, and remain predictable over time. While many vendors offer online renewal or registration tools, most only partially automate the process. Unique stands apart because it delivers true end‑to‑end automation—and pairs it with clear communication for patrons and staff alike. Our new Automated Borrower Renewal and Verified … Continue reading “Automatically Renew and Register Patron Cards: How Unique’s Secure and Automated System Stacks Up”
Every Message, Every Patron, One Place
Library communication can be complicated. Between email newsletters, SMS alerts, voice notifications, and reporting, staff often spend more time learning and switching between systems than actually connecting with patrons. MessageBee solves that by putting everything in one place. Alerts, marketing campaigns, and reporting all live in a single platform, synced with your ILS. Staff no … Continue reading “Every Message, Every Patron, One Place”