Understanding a language involves the knowledge of its grammar, phonology, lexis and structure, as well as certain features and characteristics of the culture. Although Nigerians are known to “communicate well”, however, not in their mothers’ tongue. Worrisome, a fact from a recent survey of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria showed that 25% of Nigerian children in nursery and primary schools cannot speak in their local dialect. Considering the fact that a language is considered endangered when it’s no longer spoken by children, it becomes imperative to say that the Nigerian languages is at risk of extinction. Interestingly however, the library is known for its role in the communication of information as well as collection and protection of documents in any format. In a bid to preserve the Nigerian native languages, authorities concerned can begin to write in native languages and the Nigerian Governments make such materials available in the libraries for used? Of most importance, curriculum developers, authorities concerned and librarians as well as library staff need to collaborate to come-up with innovations into developing and writing books and reading materials in native languages with a view to making them user-friendly. It is therefore the aim of this article to discuss the state of Nigerian native language extinction while providing the roles of the library that can be protective.

Language, Library, Language Extinction, Nigeria