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”
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”
Wichita Public Library (KS) Launches Call Handling from Unique
The Wichita Public Library has partnered with Unique Library to enhance its patron communication with professional call-handling services. As the largest city in Kansas, Wichita Public Library serves over 397,000 residents through its seven library locations and Friends bookstore, providing access to books, digital resources, community programs, and more. With multiple construction projects, the … Continue reading “Wichita Public Library (KS) Launches Call Handling from Unique”
Understanding Your Monthly Reports from Unique
At Unique, we are committed to keeping you informed about the status of your accounts and any critical updates that may impact on your collections process. On or around the 7th of each month, Unique sends an email notification letting key staff know monthly reports are ready for review. These reports provide valuable insights into … Continue reading “Understanding Your Monthly Reports from Unique”
Meet the Unique Team: Our Favorite Books, Lifehacks, Podcasts and More.
Beyond the Books: Meet the People Behind Unique Library’s Services At Unique Library, we’re more than just a service—we’re a team of book lovers, podcast junkies, music aficionados, and lifehack enthusiasts who genuinely care about libraries. We recently asked our team a few fun questions to get to know each other better, and now we’re … Continue reading “Meet the Unique Team: Our Favorite Books, Lifehacks, Podcasts and More.”
CS Pro Tip: How to Handle Patron Disputes
Disputes happen, and we are here to help We have fine-tuned our Gentle Nudge Material Recovery service to focus on patron and community relationships alongside keeping library shelves stocked. In effort to maintain your library’s relationship with your patrons, communication is a key aspect of our service. At Unique, we keep communication professional and well … Continue reading “CS Pro Tip: How to Handle Patron Disputes”
Wheaton Public Library (IL) launches MessageBee from Unique
The Greater Chicago area library system adds Email and SMS notifications to their suite of Unique services Unique Library is proud to announce the addition of MessageBee for Wheaton Public Library this week. Patrons will receive notifications from the library via email and SMS notifications, creating a new channel for their patrons. Unique and Wheaton … Continue reading “Wheaton Public Library (IL) launches MessageBee from Unique”
Staff Spotlight: Erik Surber
Graduating with an MLS from the University of Iowa in 1995, Erik began his library career over three decades ago as a college librarian in Tennessee, and he built upon that in various roles in libraries big and small – in California, Arizona, and Iowa. Erik started his position at Unique as Director of Library … Continue reading “Staff Spotlight: Erik Surber”