Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Claudia Emerson reads at the library.

The disintegration of a woman’s 19-year marriage, followed by a second marriage to a still-bereaved widower: From the pen of poet Claudia Emerson, it’s more dramatic than a soap and more intimate than erotica. Emerson, an associate professor of English at the University of Mary Washington, won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for “Late Wife.” Divided into three sections — “Divorce Epistles,” “Breaking Up the House” and “Late Wife” — Emerson’s third collection of poetry is immediate, accessible and her most autobiographical work to date. As part of the Richmond Writers Series in conjunction with First Fridays, Emerson will give a reading in the Special Collections Room of the Richmond Public Library Friday, May 4, at 7 p.m., followed by a book signing and reception. Emerson will also be honored as the 2007 Richmond Public Library’s Brodie Herndon poetry recipient, in honor of the late poet. S