The collection is organized into the following series: 1) Biographical Information; 2) Correspondence; 3) Printed Material; 4) Photographs; and 5) Vereen Bell Awards. The biographical information includes materials Mr. Bell's family. The correspondence dates from 1937 to 1991, some of which is from Mr. Bell but most of which is from his family. The printed materials include a mostly complete bibliography of Mr. Bell's works, reviews, and general articles about him. There are also memorials and tributes made to him after his death. There are a limited number of photographs of him. There is general information about the Vereen Bell Award for creative writing, as well as correspondence relating to the establishment of the award. In addition, there are copies of most of the winning entries of the Vereen Bell competition, and information relating to the contest. The 1976 Vereen Bell Award file contains a handwitten note by judge Robert Bly listing the winners. The oversize folder contains a print of the poem "College Days" by Charles Wright. It was presented on the occasion of the Vereen Bell Memorial Reading in honor of Professor Gil Holland in 2004.