The Troy Public Library is accepting children for its 2003 summer reading program "Books Ahoy!"

The program is open to children from ages four to 18 and involves a variety of activities.

Librarian Teresa Colvin said she would be accepting children until all slots are full.

She will take two groups of 25 children for the four- and five-year-old group, up to 125 for the six- to 11-year-old group and up to 50 for the12- to 18-year-old young adult group.

"We just want to offer something exciting for them," Colvin said.

She said she has been impressed with the number of young adults who have already expressed interest in the program.

"I've been real impressed," she said.

"Especially at a time when larger cities are trying so hard to hold on that age group."

Colvin said the theme "Books Ahoy!" is broad enough to incorporate a variety of subjects including manners and the environment.

Local business volunteers will teach all the classes.

"We wouldn't be able to do it without the volunteers in the community," she said.

"South Alabama Electric Cooperative called me up and asked if I could use them this summer."

In June, South Alabama Electric Cooperative will teach the six- to 11-year-old group about the environment and electrical safety.

In July, the Pike County Extension Agency will teach a class on etiquette.

As part of the young adult reading program, participants will play the theatre-style murder mystery "Murder in the Islands."

"I think that will be really exciting," Colvin said.

Besides individual group activities, all ages will participate in the Critters Education Exotic Animal Program in June.

"This is really neat," Colvin said.

"The man who does it brings in all kinds of exotic animals and uses maps, incorporates math and talks about what the animals eat and their habitats.

It is very educational."

In addition to the summer program, the library will also help tutor children in whatever subject they may be struggling with.

Colvin said sometimes reading problems can find their way into a math class and be mistaken for math problems.

"They may know how to do the math, but they may not be able to comprehend what the question is asking," she said.

"If you improve their reading skills, you'll improve their overall comprehension."

Colvin said it is important for parents to encourage their children to read over the summer.

"If children don't read at level or challenge themselves to read at a higher level, than everything they've learned is lost and they regress," she said.

For more information, call the library at 566-1314.