The National Library of Medicine was established 135 years ago in the office of the Army's first surgeon general. Almost from the beginning the Library served as a national resource for the medical profession although it was not officially so designated until 1956. This report reveals some of the highlights of the National Library of Medicine's service during the 135th anniversary year. It recounts the accomplishments of its diversified professional staff of more than 450 library and biomedical scientists, physicians, medical educators, historians, literature analysts and translators, computer and electronic communications engineers, and the many persons working in their support. It describes the expanding progress both of established services and developing programs toward their goal of improving access to useful information and new medical knowledge for all who are dedicated to the prevention and treatment of disease and disability. (Author)