Nelle Hefner Steele (1902-1985) was born in Lexington and began teaching in 1933 in rural schools with 8-15 students. Later she taught in Unit 5, retiring in 1968. She held a bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State Normal University. Steele served on the founding committee of the Friends of the Normal Public Library in 1969 and was active with the organization for years. She also was elected to the Normal Public Library Board. She was involved in a variety of community organizations and sororities, including Community Players and its affiliated Playcrafters. This collection contains local theater programs, scripts, newspaper articles, etc. once belonging to Nelle Steele.