Nebraska —

FFRF was pleased to hear that Omaha Public Libraries would not be closing on religious holidays after receiving constitutional guidance from the state/church watchdog.

FFRF learned that the Omaha Public Library system closed all branches on April 20 in observance of Easter.

“Easter is neither a federal holiday nor a Nebraska state holiday, nor even a city-observed holiday despite the library’s announcement declaring that it is a holiday observed by the city of Omaha,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote to Executive Director Laura Marlane. “Easter is a day that holds significance only for people who practice Christianity. It is inappropriate and unconstitutional for public libraries to close in observance of a single religion’s holy day.”

Marlane acknowledged the error and confirmed that corrective action was taking place.

“You are absolutely right: Easter is not a federal, state, or city-designated holiday, and the decision to close our branches on that date was an oversight,” Marlane wrote. “The announcement identifying it as a ‘city-observed holiday’ was incorrect, and I take full responsibility for the error.” Marlane confirmed that the closure would not happen again and ensured that library closures going forward would be based solely on secular, government recognized holidays and operational needs, in full alignment with constitutional principles.

The post FFRF was pleased to hear that Omaha Public Libraries would not be closing on religious holidays after receiving constitutional guidance (August 2025) appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.