The beginning and development of libraries in Nigeria are reviewed. Particular areas discussed include: libraries before mid-century, librarians before mid-century, the difficulties of birth, libraries as instruments of power, early library men, the Lagos Library, the Carnegie Corporation, World War II, Elliot Commission, Lagos Public Library, national library concept rejected, a national bibliography, a traveling librarian, and birth of a profession. Although the profession of librarianship was born in Nigeria between 1949 and 1950, the christening did not take place until 1953, when the West African Library Association was formed. (Author/NH)