Cumbria County Council's libraries will be delving into the past for this year’s Local History Month.
Throughout May, libraries will be displaying photos from days gone by, hosting local history talks and organising heritage walks and other activities.
Family history hunters will be offered tips on how to begin researching their own genealogy.
Several libraries will be offering free taster sessions on Ancestry.co.uk internet service, with the chance to uncover valuable facts about their forebears' lives and times.
The service enables library goers to search name-indexed census information from 1841 to 1901, such as birth, marriage and death records.
Councillor Gary Strong, cabinet member responsible for Cumbria’s Library Service, said: "Cumbria’s libraries are providing a fascinating window on the past for communities across the county during Local History Month.
"The county council’s commitment to the annual event is a reflection of the growing interest in local and family history.
"It is also an ideal opportunity for people who haven’t paid a visit to their local library for a while to pop in and see some of the exciting new services that are now available."
Full details of the events taking place during Local History month are available from local libraries or by visiting the Library Service’s website at http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/libraries/
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