The first half of 2025 presented challenges for libraries across the world, and Unique has remained steadfast in our drive to provide industry-leading tools and services to libraries of all sizes.

Our mission to equip libraries with patron engagement tools and platform reliability has driven new adoption, expanded features, and helped libraries navigate both operational challenges and advocacy needs. Unique continues to lead the way in library services with the launch of UniqueIQ, an intelligent patron record verification service, with major updates and milestones for MessageBee, too.

UniqueIQ officially launched in Q1 as Unique’s latest tool in proactive patron engagement. Designed to both offer frictionless address verification for new cards and automatically renew library cards for existing patrons, UniqueIQ combats patron churn and minimizes expired library cards.

• Automated, Online Registration: RenewIQ enables patrons to apply for new cards with a simple online process.
• Seamless Renewals: Patron cards are automatically renewed as long as their address remains within the library service area.
• Reduced Staff Workload: Eliminating the need for manual address verification saves staff time and reduces barriers for patrons, too.
• ILS Integration: Seamless compatibility with major Integrated Library Systems (ILS) allows libraries to manage campaigns with minimal disruption to their existing workflows.
• Early Success: Libraries already using UniqueIQ are reporting improved renewal rates, indicating the solution’s effectiveness and value in retaining active cardholders.

In April, Unique hit a major milestone—over 150 million emails sent through the MessageBee platform since it was created in 2018. This achievement reflects sustained growth in platform usage and underscores the reliability, flexibility, and trust libraries placed in MessageBee for patron communication. We’ve also helped libraries send over 28 million emails already in 2025 at a 97% delivery rate!

• Diverse Use Cases: Libraries are using the versatility of MessageBee for a variety of critical communications, including circulation notices (e.g., hold pickups, due date reminders), event promotions, emergency closures, and community updates.
• Optimized for Deliverability: Unique has created its own back-end and email infrastructure to ensure maximum deliverability for libraries. We are continually updating our system as well to meet current spam standards.
• Omnichannel Adoption: More library systems are adopting MessageBee across all three channels—email, SMS, and phone—ensuring patrons receive timely notifications in their preferred format.
• Rapid Expansion: Since its initial launch, MessageBee has become the communication backbone for many libraries, replacing outdated or fragmented solutions with a centralized, easy-to-use interface backed by Unique’s integration expertise.
• Scalable Infrastructure: The ability to scale to over a million messages without disruption highlights the platform’s technical maturity and readiness to support even the largest systems.

Enhancements made in 2025 have significantly improved SMS deliverability within MessageBee, raising successful delivery rates from 91% to 97.7%. This upgrade ensures critical patron communications reach their destination with minimal friction. We’ve already helped hundreds of libraries send nearly 7 million SMS and voice messages in 2025.

• Optimized Retry Logic: If messages initially fail due to carrier issues or temporary connection problems, improved retry sequences now ensure better chances of successful delivery without manual intervention.
• Short-Code and Compliance Improvements: We refined our short-code management to better align with carrier guidelines, minimizing message blocking and improving sender credibility.
• Enhanced Opt-In Workflows: Clearer, user-friendly opt-in tools have improved compliance rates and reduced accidental opt-outs—preserving communication channels and improving list health.

Outcome for Libraries: These changes mean fewer missed messages and stronger engagement, particularly for high-priority items like expiring holds or overdue notices where timing is essential.

Unique responded to the increased urgency of library advocacy by launching a free, advocacy-focused version of MessageBee. This pared-down, email-only offering allows libraries to effectively rally their communities during moments of need—without facing cost barriers.

• Rapid Outreach Capability: Libraries can immediately send time-sensitive updates and calls to action to patrons, stakeholders, and community partners during legislative threats or funding challenges.
• Branded and Professional: The platform enables libraries to create polished, consistent messaging that reflects their identity and mission, which can be especially important when mobilizing public support.
• Lower Barrier to Access: This initiative is designed for libraries that may not have the budget to commit to a full-featured communication platform but still require effective tools to engage their base.
• Mission-Driven Innovation: By offering this version at no cost, Unique reinforces its dedication to supporting libraries in their most crucial work—advocating for equitable access, public funding, and long-term sustainability.

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. See how MessageBee changed everything. 

• RenewIQ Growth: Share early success stories to convert pipeline interest into active library partners, using performance metrics and case studies to demonstrate value.
• MessageBee 2.0: Completing the roll-out later this year, the next generation of MessageBee includes a refreshed interface, enhanced design tools, improved reporting, and increased automation—making it easier for libraries to create visually compelling, data-informed communications.
• Sharing Helpful Tips with Unique Clients: We have been sharing tips and tricks with our clients via our Material Matters newsletter. Our Customer Service reps have been publishing monthly tips for our services in our blog, check it out and see what our team has shared!