MessageBee SMS FAQs

As mobile carriers phase out email-to-text services, many libraries are facing delivery failures, patron complaints, and communication gaps. That’s why more library systems are turning to MessageBee SMS, a compliant, reliable, and fully supported texting solution built specifically for public libraries.

Below are the most common questions libraries are asking—and how MessageBee SMS is helping them stay connected with their communities.

Carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have ended email-to-text (email-to-SMS) gateways, cutting off the platform that ILSes have been built upon. As a result, messages sent from your ILS using formats like 1234567890@vtext.com are no longer being delivered.

MessageBee SMS uses registered 10DLC numbers, a carrier-approved method designed for business and institutional messaging. It ensures high deliverability, compliance, and tracking—everything that email-to-text can’t provide.

In mid-2024, Fort Worth Public Library faced a significant communication challenge: Their patrons were not receiving SMS notifications. Their patrons were reporting that they weren’t receiving SMS messages, but the library had no way to track their messages. Text messages updating patrons on things like books coming due, holds now available, and service bulletins were all failing to reach their intended audience. The breakdown in notifications was causing problems for the library and patrons alike, and something needed to be done.

MessageBee SMS supports all notice types that are currently being sent by your ILS, including:

• Hold pickup notifications
• Due date and renewal reminders
• Overdue notices
• Account status updates
• Emergency alerts and closures
• Program reminders or targeted promotions

Your library can select which notifications to send during the integration phase, and MessageBee SMS notifications get delivered at over 90% .

Yes. MessageBee is flexible and can be used in whatever way works best for your library. If you only need SMS, that’s no problem – there’s no requirement to use email or voice features. You’re free to add other services later if and when it makes sense for your team.

MessageBee is a “set-it-and-forget-it” platform. Once it’s configured, messages are sent automatically based on your ILS data. Unique monitors delivery in real time and resolves technical issues proactively.

In addition, you’ll have access to a live dashboard and reporting tools to track delivery success, message volume, and engagement.

Yes. MessageBee supports multilingual messaging, including English and Spanish. Libraries can configure messages based on the language selected in each patron’s ILS profile—ensuring a more personalized, inclusive experience.

Yes. Unlike email-to-text formats that use confusing domains and numbers, MessageBee SMS uses a verified, registered number local to your library. Each message also includes your library’s name, so patrons can trust and identify your communications immediately.

Yes. MessageBee SMS is fully compliant with the latest 10DLC (10-digit long code) messaging regulations set by U.S. mobile carriers. Unique handles a lot of the heavy lifting, and our integration staff will walk your library through the routine steps of starting 10DLC-compliant messaging.

Getting started is simple. Once your library signs an agreement, Unique handles the heavy lifting—including carrier registration, number provisioning, and ILS integration. Our integration specialists are experienced with all major ILSes, so we anticipate issues that come up in the setup process.