CRAVEN has a long and interesting history – places, people and events deeply rooted in the past.

And its heritage will be celebrated at local libraries during May, which has been designated Local and Community History Month.

“There is much for people to enjoy in learning about history," said Councillor Chris Metcalfe, North Yorkshire County Council executive member for library and information services. "Often, it is not just the large, national events but the small, local events that fascinate most, especially when it comes to the history of your own family or village.”

Among the planned events is a heritage fair at Settle Library on Wednesday from 10.30am to 5pm, featuring exhibits from North Craven groups and talks by local experts, including Sita Brand, director of Settle Stories, who will speak about the WR Mitchell archive; Bob Swallow, author and local historian, who will talk on the building of the Settle Carlisle railway; and John Asher, local historian, who will speak on 'Conscientious Objectors of Settle and North Craven'.

The event is free, but talks are £2 each.

Elsewhere, there is a chance to see what your ancestors were doing on the eve of the Second World War, with sessions on the newly-released 1939 Electoral Register. These will take place at Cross Hills Library tomorrow, from 10am; Bentham Library on Tuesday, from 10am; Ingleton Library on May 17, from 10am; Settle Library on May 18, from 10.30am; and Skipton Library on May 24, from 10am.

There will also be a conscientious objectors talk at Cross Hills Library at 7.30pm on May 19, a 'Share our Community Story' at Skipton Library on May 31, from 10am to 3.30pm, and an Ingleborough archaeology exhibition at Ingleton Library later this month.

Fe-mail libraries@northyorks.gov.uk or contact your local library for more details about the programme.