Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Fairy tale scene coming out of a book

Story Time at Chicken N Pickle: Read Across America Day

Monday, March 2, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Outreach

Class & Event Types:

America 250, Special Events, Arts & Crafts, Early Literacy & Learning

Age Group:

Kids, Toddlers (Ages 1-3), Pre-K (Ages 3-5), Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Families
Library Branch: Outreach
Age Group: Kids, Toddlers (Ages 1-3), Pre-K (Ages 3-5), Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Families
Class & Event Types: America 250, Special Events, Arts & Crafts, Early Literacy & Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for a special story time all about America in honor of Read Across America Day!

Various game pieces around scrabble letters that spell out Games.

Checkmate Academy: Lessons for Youth

Monday, March 2, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Community Room at Deer Run Branch

Class & Event Types:

Special Events, Evenings & Weekends, Games & Activities, Hobbies & Recreation, Homeschool

Age Group:

Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12)
Library Branch: Deer Run Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12)
Class & Event Types: Special Events, Evenings & Weekends, Games & Activities, Hobbies & Recreation, Homeschool
Registration Required
Event Details:

Chess is a fun and challenging way to build problem-solving, strategy, and memory skills. Join teen volunteer and chess expert Mr.

Adulting 101: Getting a Job

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Community Room C at Middendorf-Kredell Branch

Class & Event Types:

Business & Finance, Evenings & Weekends, Self Improvement & Professional Development

Age Group:

Teens (Grades 7-12), Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Library Branch: Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Room: Community Room C
Age Group: Teens (Grades 7-12), Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Business & Finance, Evenings & Weekends, Self Improvement & Professional Development
Registration Required
Event Details:

Knowing where to start when applying for jobs is hard. During this program, we will have a guest speaker discussing the ins-and-outs of writing a resume, planning for interviews, what to know while interviewing, and other relevant topics.

Cover of St. Louis Sports for Kids by Joey Zanaboni with a variety of St. Louis sports figures around the title.

Meet the Author: Joey Zanaboni - ST LOUIS SPORTS FOR KIDS

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Event Room L - Siteman at BJC St. Peters Room at Spencer Road Branch

Class & Event Types:

Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends, Hobbies & Recreation

Age Group:

Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Library Branch: Spencer Road Branch
Room: Event Room L - Siteman at BJC St. Peters Room
Age Group: Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends, Hobbies & Recreation
Registration Required
Event Details:

Joey Zanaboni, announcer for St. Louis City SC, presents his first book, ST. LOUIS SPORTS FOR KIDS. 

About ST. LOUIS SPORTS FOR KIDS

The book cover for "Across the Vanishing Sky" by Catherine Cowles shows a forest scene with a portion of the sky visible. There are birds flying across the sky. The forest is dark purple and the sky is pink.

Meet the Author: Catherine Cowles - ACROSS THE VANISHING SKY

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Event Room L&M - BJC St. Peters Rooms at Spencer Road Branch

Class & Event Types:

Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends

Age Group:

Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Library Branch: Spencer Road Branch
Room: Event Room L&M - BJC St. Peters Rooms
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends
Event Details:

Catherine Cowles presents her new book, ACROSS THE VANISHING SKY! 

This is a ticketed event.

A bright pink and orange book cover with a yacht, surrounded by a variety of items like a rope, a knife, money, an anchor, a golf club, a man and woman, and more.

Virtual Meet the Author: Jenny Elder-Moke - CROSS YOUR HEART AND HOPE HE DIES

Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual

Class & Event Types:

Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends, Virtual

Age Group:

Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Library Branch: Virtual
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends, Virtual
Event Details:

Jenny Elder-Moke meets virtually to present her newest book, CROSS YOUR HEART AND HOPE HE DIES.

This is a virtual event that will take place over Zoom on Saturday, March 7th at 7:00pm CST.

Fort Sumter stands amid waves while cannon blasts streak through the sky towards it. The fort is on fire. The title of the book, "The Demon of Unrest," is above the fort, and the author's name, Erik Larson is below it.

Meet the Author: Erik Larson - THE DEMON OF UNREST

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Event Room L&M - BJC St. Peters Rooms at Spencer Road Branch

Class & Event Types:

America 250, Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends, History & Culture

Age Group:

Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Library Branch: Spencer Road Branch
Room: Event Room L&M - BJC St. Peters Rooms
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: America 250, Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends, History & Culture
Event Details:

Erik Larson presents his book THE DEMON OF UNREST, which is newly out in paperback. 

This is a ticketed event!

Sepia toned map of the world

St. Charles County Parks History Series: Women in St. Charles History

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room at WingHaven® Branch

Class & Event Types:

America 250, Reading Challenge, History & Culture

Age Group:

Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+, Everyone
Library Branch: WingHaven® Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+, Everyone
Class & Event Types: America 250, Reading Challenge, History & Culture
Registration Required
Event Details:

Celebrate America 250 and Women's History Month with St. Charles County Parks and St. Charles City-County Libraries!

Healthy foods weight loss tools and medical instruments on a light blue background.

Oasis "Free From Falls"

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Community Room A&B at Corporate Parkway Branch

Class & Event Types:

Health & Wellness, Self Improvement & Professional Development

Age Group:

Adults, Ages 55+
Library Branch: Corporate Parkway Branch
Room: Community Room A&B
Age Group: Adults, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Health & Wellness, Self Improvement & Professional Development
Event Details:

To register, please call Oasis at 314-862-4859 ext 24, class #3654.

Missouri's rate of falls among adults 65 and older is almost twice that of the nation!

Shades of purple, blue and pink showing a candlelit dinner for two. There is a large slash across the whole image as if it was cut by a jagged knife.

Meet the Author: Lisa Unger - SERVED HIM RIGHT

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Event Room L&M - BJC St. Peters Rooms at Spencer Road Branch

Class & Event Types:

Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends

Age Group:

Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Library Branch: Spencer Road Branch
Room: Event Room L&M - BJC St. Peters Rooms
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Author Events, Books & More, Evenings & Weekends
Event Details:

Lisa Unger presents her newest book, SERVED HIM RIGHT. 

This is a ticketed event.

Filters
Age Group

LEGO Builders Jr.

10:00am–10:45am
Kids, Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Kathryn Linnemann Branch
Library Branch: Kathryn Linnemann Branch
Room: Community Room B
Age Group: Kids, Pre-K (Ages 3-5)

Listen to a story and build with the Library's LEGO and DUPLO bricks.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.

Story Time

10:00am–10:45am
Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Library Branch: Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Room: Community Room A&B
Age Group: Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Class & Event Types: Books & More, Early Literacy & Learning
Event Details:

Grow Your Reader with stories, songs, and activities that enhance early literacy skills.

We'll explore a new theme each week! The Story Times on each Monday, Thursday, and Saturday have the same theme.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.

Early Movers and Shakers

10:00am–11:00am
Kids, Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Families
Kisker Road Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Kisker Road Branch
Room: Community Room A&B
Age Group: Kids, Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Families
Class & Event Types: America 250, Special Events, History & Culture
Registration Required
Event Details:

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the St. Charles City-County Library is offering a wide variety of presentations and programs throughout the year, highlighting local, state, and national events, time periods, and cultural moments.

Join JP Moneybags, a prominent businessman from the turn of the 20th century, as he shares his insights on the successful journey of entrepreneurs in various industries.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Register Each Child Individually

Please register each child who will be attending individually.

Growing Artists: Weather

10:00am–11:00am
Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
McClay Branch
Library Branch: McClay Branch
Room: Community Room A&B
Age Group: Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Class & Event Types: Arts & Crafts, Early Literacy & Learning
Event Details:

Open-ended and explorative preschool art session focused on the process of making art. 
Dress to be messy. 

Join us for fun weather themed art projects! 

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Messy Crafts

This program may involve messy crafts or activities.  Please dress to be messy! 

Supplies

All supplies provided.  

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.

DIY Craft: Beaded Plant

11:00am–1:00pm
Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Spencer Road Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Spencer Road Branch
Room: Community Room A
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Make a small plant for your desk that will live forever! Materials provided. Many of the beading choices are small, so be prepared for delicate work.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Register Everyone

Please register each person attending the program or event regardless of age.  

Oasis "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions"

1:00pm–3:30pm
Adults, Ages 55+
Spencer Road Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Spencer Road Branch
Room: Community Room N
Age Group: Adults, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Health & Wellness, Self Improvement & Professional Development
Registration Required
Event Details:

To register, please call Oasis at 314-687-1116, class #4600, or click HERE to register th

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Book Discussion: "Broken Country" by Clare Leslie Hall

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Augusta Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Augusta Branch
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Books & More
Registration Required
Event Details:

Beth and her gentle, kind husband Frank are happily married, but their relationship relies on the past staying buried.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Sponsored by Friends

This event was generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

DIY Crafts: Flowers Shelf-Sitter

2:00pm–3:30pm
Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Boone's Trail Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Boone's Trail Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Perfect for your Spring decor!

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Messy Crafts

This program may involve messy crafts or activities.  Please dress to be messy! 

Supplies

All supplies provided.  

Register Everyone

Please register each person attending the program or event regardless of age.  

Fiber Arts Meetup

2:00pm–4:00pm
Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
McClay Branch
Library Branch: McClay Branch
Room: Community Room A
Age Group: Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
Class & Event Types: Arts & Crafts, Hobbies & Recreation
Event Details:

Work on your own knit, crochet, embroidery, sewing, etc. project with fellow fiber arts enthusiasts! 

If you wish, bring along finished object for our show-and-tell.

Recommended for ages 18+

LEGO Builders

4:30pm–5:30pm
Kids, Toddlers (Ages 1-3), Pre-K (Ages 3-5), Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Families, Everyone
Corporate Parkway Branch
Library Branch: Corporate Parkway Branch
Age Group: Kids, Toddlers (Ages 1-3), Pre-K (Ages 3-5), Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Families, Everyone
Class & Event Types: Arts & Crafts, Clubs & Communities, Games & Activities, Hobbies & Recreation

Build with the Library's LEGO bricks.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Checkmate Academy: Lessons for Youth

5:30pm–6:30pm
Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12)
Deer Run Branch
Cancelled
Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Deer Run Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12)
Class & Event Types: Special Events, Evenings & Weekends, Games & Activities, Hobbies & Recreation, Homeschool
Registration Required
Event Details:

Chess is a fun and challenging way to build problem-solving, strategy, and memory skills. Join teen volunteer and chess expert Mr.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Register Each Child Individually

Please register each child who will be attending individually.

Teen Leadership Committee

5:30pm–7:30pm
Teens (Grades 7-12)
Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Room: Community Room C
Age Group: Teens (Grades 7-12)
Class & Event Types: Clubs & Communities, Evenings & Weekends
Registration Required
Event Details:

Be a part of the decision making process at the Library. Help plan programs, give book recommendations, promote the library, and eat some snacks!

Interested in joining TLC? Come to a meeting! We'll get you set up from there.  

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Register Each Teen

Please register each teen who will be attending the program.

LEGO Builders

6:00pm–7:00pm
Kids, Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8)
Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Room: Community Room A&B
Age Group: Kids, Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8)
Class & Event Types: Evenings & Weekends, Games & Activities, Hobbies & Recreation
Registration Required
Event Details:

Listen to a story and play with the library's LEGO bricks.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Register Each Child Individually

Please register each child who will be attending individually.

Early Movers and Shakers

6:30pm–7:30pm
Kids, Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Families
Kathryn Linnemann Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Kathryn Linnemann Branch
Room: Community Room A
Age Group: Kids, Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Families
Class & Event Types: America 250, Special Events, Evenings & Weekends, History & Culture
Registration Required
Event Details:

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the St. Charles City-County Library is offering a wide variety of presentations and programs throughout the year, highlighting local, state, and national events, time periods, and cultural moments.

Join JP Moneybags, a prominent businessman from the turn of the 20th century, as he shares his insights on the successful journey of entrepreneurs in various industries.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Fun for Ones

9:30am–10:00am
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
McClay Branch
Library Branch: McClay Branch
Room: Community Room A&B
Age Group: Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Class & Event Types: Books & More, Early Literacy & Learning
Event Details:

Grow Your Reader with stories, songs, and activities for one-year-olds and their caregivers.

This program will be repeated at 10:30 am.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.

Story Time

9:30am–10:00am
Kids, Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Deer Run Branch
Library Branch: Deer Run Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids, Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Class & Event Types: Early Literacy & Learning
Event Details:

Grow Your Reader with stories, songs, and activities that enhance early literacy skills.

Recommended for ages 3-6, and families are welcome.

*Both the 9:30 am and 10:30 am Story Times are the same program.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.

Time for Twos

9:30am–10:00am
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Library Branch: Middendorf-Kredell Branch
Room: Community Room A&B
Age Group: Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Class & Event Types: Books & More, Early Literacy & Learning
Event Details:

Grow Your Reader with stories, songs, and activities for two-year-olds and their caregivers.

This class also includes a simple craft. Both the 9:30 and 10:30 sessions are the same.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.

Fun for Ones

10:00am–10:30am
Kids, Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Spencer Road Branch
Library Branch: Spencer Road Branch
Room: Community Room B
Age Group: Kids, Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Class & Event Types: Early Literacy & Learning
Event Details:

Grow Your Reader with stories, songs, and activities for one-year-olds and their caregivers.

Recommended for Toddlers 12-23 Months

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.

Tiny Tots

10:00am–10:30am
Kids, Babies (Ages 0-1), Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Kathryn Linnemann Branch
Library Branch: Kathryn Linnemann Branch
Room: Community Room B
Age Group: Kids, Babies (Ages 0-1), Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Class & Event Types: Books & More, Early Literacy & Learning

Grow Your Reader with stories, songs, and activities for babies birth to 23 months and their caregivers.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

LEGO Builders Jr.

10:00am–10:45am
Kids, Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Corporate Parkway Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Corporate Parkway Branch
Room: Community Room A
Age Group: Kids, Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Class & Event Types: Books & More, Early Literacy & Learning, Science & Technology
Registration Required

Listen to a story and build with the Library's LEGO and DUPLO bricks.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Early Movers and Shakers

10:00am–11:00am
Kids, Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Families
WingHaven® Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: WingHaven® Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids, Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5), Tweens (Grades 4-8), Teens (Grades 7-12), Families
Class & Event Types: America 250, Special Events, History & Culture
Registration Required
Event Details:

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the St. Charles City-County Library is offering a wide variety of presentations and programs throughout the year, highlighting local, state, and national events, time periods, and cultural moments.

Join JP Moneybags, a prominent businessman from the turn of the 20th century, as he shares his insights on the successful journey of entrepreneurs in various industries.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Twig Bangle and Branch Necklace

10:00am–11:00am
Adults
Spencer Road Branch
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Spencer Road Branch
Room: Community Room A
Age Group: Adults
Class & Event Types: Seasonal, Arts & Crafts, Evenings & Weekends
Registration Required
Event Details:

Honor the spirit of Earth Day by crafting eco-inspired jewelry from real branches and twigs.  Learn simple techniques for cleaning, shaping, and assembling natural elements into unique jewelry pieces. 

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Messy Crafts

This program may involve messy crafts or activities.  Please dress to be messy! 

Supplies

All supplies provided.  

Fun for Ones

10:30am–11:00am
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
McClay Branch
Library Branch: McClay Branch
Room: Community Room A&B
Age Group: Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Class & Event Types: Books & More, Early Literacy & Learning
Event Details:

Grow Your Reader with stories, songs, and activities for one-year-olds and their caregivers.

This class is a repeat from 9:30 am.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.

Story Time

10:30am–11:00am
Kids, Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Deer Run Branch
Library Branch: Deer Run Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids, Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Class & Event Types: Books & More, Early Literacy & Learning
Event Details:

Grow Your Reader with stories, songs, and activities that enhance early literacy skills.

Recommended for ages 3-6, and families are welcome.

*Both the 9:30 am and 10:30 am Story Times are the same program.

Disclaimer(s)

Accommodations

If you need accommodations for this program, please contact the Library as soon as you are able.

Registration Not Required

Registration is not required for this program.