This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Busy Bees Playtime Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am Children's Department at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required. View Details This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 11 2026 Wed Busy Bees Playtime 11:00am–11:30am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Department Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Event Details: Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Fairy Tale STEM: Hansel and Gretel Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm Children's Project Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: STEAM Age Group: Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Create a sweet trap to save Hansel and Gretel from the witch. For kids ages 4-11. Registration required. Participants must arrive within 15 minutes of program start in order to secure their seat. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Mar 11 2026 Wed Fairy Tale STEM: Hansel and Gretel 6:00pm–7:00pm Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Project Room Age Group: Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Program Type: STEAM Registration Required Event Details: Create a sweet trap to save Hansel and Gretel from the witch. For kids ages 4-11. Registration required. Participants must arrive within 15 minutes of program start in order to secure their seat.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Family Craft Night: Farm Animal Fun! Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm Children's Department at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Art & Crafts Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Join us for a monthly family craft night that is sure to be a grand time. This month's theme is Farm Animal Fun! Several craft stations will be available as well as fun themed music. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Mar 12 2026 Thu Family Craft Night: Farm Animal Fun! 6:00pm–7:00pm Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Department Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Program Type: Art & Crafts Registration Required Event Details: Join us for a monthly family craft night that is sure to be a grand time. This month's theme is Farm Animal Fun! Several craft stations will be available as well as fun themed music.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Rockin' Readers Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am Children's Storytime Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Music, Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool A story time for little musicians! Each story time we'll rotate through a new instrument or song prop- bells & tambourines, rhythm sticks, shaker eggs, scarves and more. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 13 2026 Fri Rockin' Readers 10:30am–11:00am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Storytime Room Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Music, Storytime & Early Learning Registration Required Event Details: A story time for little musicians! Each story time we'll rotate through a new instrument or song prop- bells & tambourines, rhythm sticks, shaker eggs, scarves and more.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Busy Bees Playtime Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am Children's Department at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required. View Details This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 13 2026 Fri Busy Bees Playtime 11:00am–11:30am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Department Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Event Details: Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group This event is in the "Teens" group Hydroponic How To Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am Entrance Hallway at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Nature/Wildlife Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12), Teens Have you seen our hydroponic garden Sprout?Do you have questions on how hydroponics works? Or questions about the plants in the hydroponic garden? Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group This event is in the "Teens" group Mar 14 2026 Sat Hydroponic How To 11:00am–11:30am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12), Teens Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Entrance Hallway Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12), Teens Program Type: Nature/Wildlife Registration Required Event Details: Have you seen our hydroponic garden Sprout?Do you have questions on how hydroponics works? Or questions about the plants in the hydroponic garden?
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Family Flick: Zootopia 2 (PG) Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm Children's Storytime Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Film Age Group: Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) We can't wait to see you here! Stop by for a showing of Zootopia 2 (PG) with the whole family. Please bring any items the family needs to make your viewing experience cozy. Snacks are not allowed in our Storytime Room. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Mar 14 2026 Sat Family Flick: Zootopia 2 (PG) 2:00pm–4:00pm Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Storytime Room Age Group: Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Program Type: Film Registration Required Event Details: We can't wait to see you here! Stop by for a showing of Zootopia 2 (PG) with the whole family. Please bring any items the family needs to make your viewing experience cozy. Snacks are not allowed in our Storytime Room.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Once Upon A Sign Storytime Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am Children's Storytime Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Learn American Sign Language at this revolving storytime built for birth-5. Miss Holly will teach signs for animals, shapes, colors, and more throughout our story and songs. Stay after for Busy Bees Playtime. For kids ages 0-5. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 16 2026 Mon Once Upon A Sign Storytime 10:30am–11:00am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Storytime Room Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Registration Required Event Details: Learn American Sign Language at this revolving storytime built for birth-5. Miss Holly will teach signs for animals, shapes, colors, and more throughout our story and songs. Stay after for Busy Bees Playtime. For kids ages 0-5.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Busy Bees Playtime Monday, March 16, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am Children's Department at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required. View Details This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 16 2026 Mon Busy Bees Playtime 11:00am–11:30am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Department Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Event Details: Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Messy Makers: Tinfoil Painting Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am Children's Project Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Art & Crafts, STEAM Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Come get messy with us! This month we're painting on aluminum foil! Aprons will be provided but please dress for a mess. For kids ages 2-5. Registration required. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 17 2026 Tue Messy Makers: Tinfoil Painting 10:30am–11:00am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Project Room Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Art & Crafts, STEAM Registration Required Event Details: Come get messy with us! This month we're painting on aluminum foil! Aprons will be provided but please dress for a mess. For kids ages 2-5. Registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group Sensory Playtime Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm Meeting Room 1+2+3 at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Art & Crafts, Games, Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age Join us for a sensory-friendly playtime where children and caregivers can interact with several stations of fun activities while socializing.Stations include storytime, a craft, and interactive playtime. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group Mar 17 2026 Tue Sensory Playtime 5:00pm–6:30pm Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Meeting Room 1+2+3 Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, School Age Program Type: Art & Crafts, Games, Storytime & Early Learning Registration Required Event Details: Join us for a sensory-friendly playtime where children and caregivers can interact with several stations of fun activities while socializing.Stations include storytime, a craft, and interactive playtime.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Wiggle Worms Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am Children's Storytime Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Join Miss Holly for special storytime for ages 0-3. This storytime will be filled with songs, puppets, dancing, and more. Stay after storytime is over for Busy Bees Playtime. Registration required. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 18 2026 Wed Wiggle Worms 10:30am–11:00am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Storytime Room Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Registration Required Event Details: Join Miss Holly for special storytime for ages 0-3. This storytime will be filled with songs, puppets, dancing, and more. Stay after storytime is over for Busy Bees Playtime. Registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Busy Bees Playtime Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am Children's Department at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required. View Details This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 18 2026 Wed Busy Bees Playtime 11:00am–11:30am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Department Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Event Details: Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Fairy Tale STEM: Gingerbread Man Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm Children's Project Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: STEAM Age Group: Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Build a catapult to launch the Gingerbread Boy over the river and away from the fox. For kids ages 4-11. Registration required. Participants must arrive within 15 minutes of program start in order to secure their seat. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Preschool" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Mar 18 2026 Wed Fairy Tale STEM: Gingerbread Man 6:00pm–7:00pm Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Project Room Age Group: Children, Preschool, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Program Type: STEAM Registration Required Event Details: Build a catapult to launch the Gingerbread Boy over the river and away from the fox. For kids ages 4-11. Registration required. Participants must arrive within 15 minutes of program start in order to secure their seat.
This event is in the "Children" group Kinder Garden Learning Center Bookmobile Visit Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am Bookmobile Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children View Details Offsite Event This event is in the "Children" group Mar 19 2026 Thu Kinder Garden Learning Center Bookmobile Visit 10:00am–11:00am Children Library Branch: Bookmobile Age Group: Children Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Ocean Portal Craft Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm Children's Project Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Art & Crafts Age Group: Children, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) What will we see outside of your submarine window? Create an undersea scene using beads, pipe cleaners, paper plates, paints, and more. We can't wait to see what your create. For kids ages 5-11. Registration required. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Mar 19 2026 Thu Ocean Portal Craft 6:30pm–7:30pm Children, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Project Room Age Group: Children, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Program Type: Art & Crafts Registration Required Event Details: What will we see outside of your submarine window? Create an undersea scene using beads, pipe cleaners, paper plates, paints, and more. We can't wait to see what your create. For kids ages 5-11. Registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Maripositas Y Amigos Bilingual Playgroup Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am Children's Storytime Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Join us for our bilingual playgroup! Children ages 0-5 years, their parents, grandparents, and caregivers get together to participate in activities designed to teach early literacy skills and enhance school readiness and success. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 20 2026 Fri Maripositas Y Amigos Bilingual Playgroup 10:30am–11:30am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Storytime Room Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Registration Required Event Details: Join us for our bilingual playgroup! Children ages 0-5 years, their parents, grandparents, and caregivers get together to participate in activities designed to teach early literacy skills and enhance school readiness and success.
This event is in the "Children" group Egg Carton Critters Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:30pm - 3:30pm Children's Project Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Art & Crafts Age Group: Children Get creative and make some cute critters out of egg cartons and a variety of craft supplies. All ages welcome. Registration required. Participants must arrive within 15 minutes of program start in order to secure their seat. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group Mar 21 2026 Sat Egg Carton Critters 2:30pm–3:30pm Children Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Project Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Art & Crafts Registration Required Event Details: Get creative and make some cute critters out of egg cartons and a variety of craft supplies. All ages welcome. Registration required. Participants must arrive within 15 minutes of program start in order to secure their seat.
This event is in the "Children" group Fairy Tales Child Care Center Bookmobile Visit Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am Bookmobile Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children View Details Offsite Event This event is in the "Children" group Mar 23 2026 Mon Fairy Tales Child Care Center Bookmobile Visit 10:00am–11:30am Children Library Branch: Bookmobile Age Group: Children Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Giggle & Groove Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am Children's Storytime Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Calling all little mover and shakers! Stomp and sway with us while working on find and gross motor skills during our new music and movement class for 0-5. Sing, dance, and play in a joyful way with Miss Holly. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 23 2026 Mon Giggle & Groove 10:30am–11:00am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Storytime Room Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Registration Required Event Details: Calling all little mover and shakers! Stomp and sway with us while working on find and gross motor skills during our new music and movement class for 0-5. Sing, dance, and play in a joyful way with Miss Holly.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Busy Bees Playtime Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am Children's Department at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required. View Details This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 23 2026 Mon Busy Bees Playtime 11:00am–11:30am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Department Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Event Details: Buzz around and play with friends at different interactive stations after our morning storytimes. This program is intended for 0-5. This is a free, drop-in program. No registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Grow A Rainbow Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am Children's Project Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: STEAM Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Join us to grow your very own rainbow. This simple STEAM program uses water, markers, and paper towels to create your own rainbow. Dress for a mess. This program is for kids ages 2-6. Registration required. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 24 2026 Tue Grow A Rainbow 10:30am–11:00am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Project Room Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: STEAM Registration Required Event Details: Join us to grow your very own rainbow. This simple STEAM program uses water, markers, and paper towels to create your own rainbow. Dress for a mess. This program is for kids ages 2-6. Registration required.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Nutmeg Newts Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6:00pm - 6:45pm Children's Storytime Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Book Club Age Group: Children, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Join us for our Nutmeg Newts Book Club!The Nutmeg Newts Book Club is for children with a 4th through 6th grade reading level.This month we are reading Dogtown by Katherine Applegate. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "School Age" group This event is in the "Tweens (Ages 8-12)" group Mar 24 2026 Tue Nutmeg Newts 6:00pm–6:45pm Children, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Storytime Room Age Group: Children, School Age, Tweens (Ages 8-12) Program Type: Book Club Registration Required Event Details: Join us for our Nutmeg Newts Book Club!The Nutmeg Newts Book Club is for children with a 4th through 6th grade reading level.This month we are reading Dogtown by Katherine Applegate.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Wiggle Worms Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am Children's Storytime Room at Meriden Public Library Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Join Miss Holly for special storytime for ages 0-3. This storytime will be filled with songs, puppets, dancing, and more. Stay after storytime is over for Busy Bees Playtime. Registration required. Upcoming View Details Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group This event is in the "Preschool" group Mar 25 2026 Wed Wiggle Worms 10:30am–11:00am Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Upcoming Library Branch: Meriden Public Library Room: Children's Storytime Room Age Group: Children, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool Program Type: Storytime & Early Learning Registration Required Event Details: Join Miss Holly for special storytime for ages 0-3. This storytime will be filled with songs, puppets, dancing, and more. Stay after storytime is over for Busy Bees Playtime. Registration required.