It was in 1950 when Leon Rootenberg graduated from UCLA, planting his roots as a lifelong supporter and champion of the university. He and Barbara, a third-generation Angeleno, married, and Mr. Rootenberg embarked on a distinguished career as a certified public account. Immersed in books, Mrs. Rootenberg studied library science at UCLA. A chance meeting with legendary bookman Jake Zeitlin served as the inspiration to establish her own antiquarian book business, the first woman to specialize in the history of science and medicine. Mrs. Rootenberg's deep interest in the history of medicine led her to the Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library, which became a favorite haunt. Mr. Rootenberg's passion was music, but he was also swept up by his wife's enthusiasm for the Biomedical Library, his own love of books, and his extreme commitment to the students and programs at UCLA. So in 1993, when the two decided to establish an endowment for UCLA, it was only natural that they turned their attention to this library. Far-reaching in scope, the Barbara and Leon Rootenberg Endowment Fund supports initiatives in history and special collections at the Biomedical Library.
