Next month sees the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in England and to mark the occasion, South Lakeland's libraries are holding special art and poetry competitions.
Between now and the end of March, library goers are being invited to come up with their own poem on the topic of slavery for a competition called Unchained Words.
In a separate competition called Unchained Images, library users are being offered the chance to submit paintings or drawings on the same slavery theme.
Submissions for each competition, which have separate categories for adult and junior entrants, must be made before 30 March. Entry forms are available from local libraries in South Lakeland.
Prizes will given for the best designs with local car company Hadwins sponsoring awards for the adult categories.
Throughout March, visitors to Kendal library will also get the chance to see a display organised by Amnesty Internationalon on the bicentennial abolition of Britain's slave trade.
Councillor Roger Bingham, cabinet member responsible for Cumbria's Library Service, said: "I hope these two competitions will encourage people of all ages to remember those who suffered as a result of the slave trade, and to celebrate the efforts of all those who struggled for its abolition."
For more information, people can contact Kendal Library on: 01539-773520.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337.