LEWISTON – Human genetics is the focus of a six-week reading and discussion program at the Lewiston Public Library this fall. Leading participants in an examination of the award-winning book “Genome: the Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters” will be Bates College biology professor Joe Pelliccia.

The series will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, and continue every Tuesday evening through Oct. 30. The program will be held in the Couture Room on the first floor of the library. The sessions are open to the public free of charge. No preregistration is required.

The recent mapping of the human genome, defined as the entire chromosome set presented in each human cell, has been hailed as one of the most significant discoveries of our time. The book “Genome,” by Matt Ridley, takes a look at this breakthrough by picking one gene from each pair of chromosomes and telling its story. In clear, entertaining prose, but without dumbing down the subject for nonscientists, the author imparts an extensive array of knowledge on the origins and history of our species, aging, intelligence, personality, sexual behavior, disease, memory and death.

Published in 1999, “Genome” earned the New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice Award, the American Library Association Notable Book Award, Booklist Magazine Editor’s Choice Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Award.

The “Genome” reading and discussion series is part of the library’s Cornerstones of Science Program, a national library partnership promoting science literacy for all ages. The national Cornerstones program is based at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.

Pelliccia has served on the Bates College faculty since 1979, teaching a variety of biology courses, including animal development, human genetics and biotechnology, and ecological implications of genetic engineering. He is a member of the Genetics Society of America.

Multiple copies of “Genome” are available for loan at the LPL. A copy may be reserved by calling the circulation desk at 784-0135, extension 2. Paperback copies of the book are also available for purchase at area book stores.

The library is at 200 Lisbon St. For more information or to obtain a class syllabus, contact the library director at 784-0135 extension 208, or [email protected].