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Library director warns of slipping notifications and Hoopla cancellations across county
Summary
Library Director Vanessa Taylir told the Jack Russell Memorial Library Board that Monarch notifications are still bouncing back and that several area libraries will drop Hoopla, leaving Hartford among the few remaining local users; the board discussed paid notification services and next steps.
Library Director Vanessa Taylir told the Jack Russell Memorial Library Board on Oct. 9 that the Monarch Library System is still experiencing bounced notifications and that some area libraries are discontinuing Hoopla amid cost concerns.
Taylir said Monarch is testing Message Bee, a third-party notification service estimated to cost about $200–$300 per year, which could increase delivery success for patron notices. She also reported that West Bend will end Hoopla at the end of 2024 and said Milwaukee County will also discontinue the service; she noted Hartford and Slinger remain Hoopla users.
The director said Monarch will hold a strategic plan meeting after the directors’ meeting on Oct. 10 and that staff changes at Slinger (a director moving to Mayville Public Library) and elsewhere will affect system operations. Taylir raised the delivery problem as an operational issue needing a reliable solution; the board did not vote but asked staff to continue evaluating options.
Why it matters: Successful patron notifications affect holds, due-date reminders and program outreach; a persistent bounce rate could reduce patron engagement and increase manual staff work. The board heard a low-cost paid service is available but weighed whether to adopt a subscription and asked staff to return with more details.
Director Taylir also reported broader digital-content trends in the county—staff cited Hoopla cancellations in neighboring municipalities—information the board said should inform local budgeting and patron communication planning.
Next steps: Taylir will follow up with more information about Message Bee and any recommended changes to notification practices; the board did not take formal action at the meeting.
