The Athens-Limestone Public Library is filled with stories that can take us around — and even out of — the world. But Thursday, a few tall tales, in addition to a “wacky” song or two, were scheduled to sail back into town, finding harbor with the storytelling of Carol Cain.

A national storyteller, Cain spent the day in Athens dressed as a pirate spinning folk tales, her own tales and original songs with Limestone children at the library in a celebration of reading.

At heart and by occupation an educator and theater instructor, Cain has been sharing her storytelling adventures for small and large audiences for more than three decades. During that time, she has developed storytelling relationships with libraries across the South.

Sometimes appearing as Mrs. Claus for holiday events — or as Rosie the Riveter at venues such as Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia, to share the stories of women on the home front during World War II — during the summer Cain is most often found in the children’s room of local libraries, promoting summer reading programs.

An award winning storyteller, Cain has performed at myriad festivals, including the Athens Storytelling Festival (www.athensstorytellingfestival.com/), the 17th edition of which is scheduled this year Oct. 22-26 in Limestone County.

To read more of Cain’s own story of storytelling, visit www.storytellercarolcain.com/ — or watch for the raconteur in person as she returns to Athens Oct. 22-24 for “School Days.”