The Medical Library was established in the early 1970s by a group of dedicated physicians who recognized the need for access to medical literature through books, journals, and non-print media. In May 1987, the library name was changed to the Ralph R. Landes Medical Library in honor of Dr. Landes, the founder of Danville Urologic Clinic and an active promoter of the Medical Library.

Throughout the years, the library has grown from a "medical" library geared toward physicians only to a "health sciences library" encompassing all aspects of health care professions. The library offers a variety of services to meet the needs of the medical and hospital staffs and students of Danville Regional Medical Center. In addition, the Medical Library takes an active role in serving the health information needs of other health care professionals in the area, and the citizens of Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County.