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Claire Bellanti’s lifelong dedication to libraries has come full circle with her generous endowment—ensuring the UCLA Library will continue to inspire students for generations to come.
A keen reader and library patron from a young age, Claire worked in her study hall library during high school and was a work study employee in the library of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). It was here that she met her husband Bob, who had, perhaps not surprisingly, just completed his MA in Library Science.
When Bob started working at the UCLA Library in the early 1970s, Claire, who had a masters in history, soon joined him. They both remained at UCLA, making an invaluable contribution to the Library and the Bruin community. Bob became head of the UCLA Management Library (now the Eugene and Maxine Rosenfeld Management Library), while Claire rose to lead the Charles E. Young Research Library Access Services and the Southern Regional Library Facility.
After retiring, the Bellantis included the Library in their estate plans, reflecting their love of the Library and the local theatre, music and opera scene.
“Making a lasting contribution to the UCLA Library was very important to us both,” said Claire.
Earlier this year, she established the Bob & Claire Bellanti Performing Arts Special Collections Fund Endowment to ensure their giving will continue to benefit the Library over time.
“Bob was truly devoted to helping young people be educated, and it is very rewarding knowing we are providing ongoing opportunities for the Library’s support of students and faculty.”
