The past is always present at Hennepin County libraries and never more so than on National History Day.

To help students with their competitive history day projects next month, experts will be on hand at two workshops for students in grades six through 12. County librarians will be joined by Minnesota Historical Society staff and mentors from the University of Minnesota to help students strategize on this year's theme, "Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events."

The experts at the History Day Hullabaloos can help students narrow their topics, develop a thesis, find resources and strategize on how to complete their projects.

Many schools in the metro area participate in National History Day, a competitive research project. Those searching for government documents and resources can call 612-543-8095. For more resources, go to www.hclib.org.

The first workshop is at the Ridgedale library from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 15. The second is at the Minneapolis Central Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 26.