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A proposal to give law enforcement easier access to library patrons’ information is unconstitutional, the American Civil Liberties Union contended Wednesday.

The ACLU of Nebraska weighed in a week before the Omaha Public Library Board is scheduled to vote on such a proposal, requested by the Mayor’s Office.

Currently, a law enforcement officer must obtain a warrant or a subpoena to access personal information from an Omaha library card.

Marty Bilek, Mayor Jean Stothert’s chief of staff, asked the Library Board last month to change that policy.

Bilek, former chief deputy for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, wants board members to allow library staffers to give out patrons’ names, addresses and phone numbers to law enforcement officers in emergencies.

Amy Miller, legal director for the ACLU of Nebraska, sent a letter to the library board and the mayor stating that the U.S. Constitution, as well as state law, protects such information as private.

“Should the mayor attempt to force disclosure of a library patron’s information, the library will face liability under state and federal law,” Miller wrote. “We urge this board to stand firm in the face of an unconstitutional request.”