A RARE chance to delve into history for people and communities is on offer in libraries throughout North Yorkshire.

Facts and figures going back hundreds of years on a huge range of places and people can be delved into through a month long campaign. Libraries along with the County Record Office are throwing open their doors and staging special events to encourage people to dig into the past.

They're being held throughout May. It's part of a national push by the Historical Association to promote history in general and encourage communities to get involved in unearthing the stories of the people and places on their doorstep. For many residents it's a chance to dig into the history of their own families.

In Northallerton a local family and history fair including stalls by history groups is being held on Wednesday May 23 at the County Record Office. On May 12 wills and inventories of residents in the town from the 1660s to the 1800s will be revealed in a talk by Dorothy Edwards of the town and district history society. A talk on three centuries of the workhouse up to 1948 will also be given.

At Bedale Community Library on May 2 there is a talk on appeals against conscription in World War 1. Many other events, including several history and heritage fairs are being held at Harrogate, Scarborough, Knaresborough, Ripon, Whitby and other libraries across the county.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries said: "All our communities have a story to tell. This is a great opportunity to highlight local history and for local people to get involved. Residents develop a strong bond through a shared locality and shared history, which helps to create social cohesion.

"While we hope many people will join in the fascinating events throughout May, the Library Service and the County Record Office offer a wealth of historical material that is available online at any time. Library members can access both Ancestory.com and Find My Past to assist family history investigations, as well as other reference and research material. The Record Office’s online catalogue and shop also provide excellent resources."

Staff and volunteers, alongside history experts from the County Record Office will be on hand to help. Go to www.northyorks.gov.uk/libraries-local-collections