The University of Lethbridge has recently inaugurated the Ian Tyson Reading Area, a dedicated space honoring the late Canadian country and folk music icon, Ian Tyson.

Tyson, who passed away in 2022, bequeathed his extensive personal library to the university.

This collection, now housed on Level 10 of the university library, offers a profound insight into his life and passions.

Associate University Librarian Nicole Eva remarked on the authenticity of Tyson's collection.

"It was quite remarkable as we were going through the books and the kinds of themes we identified," she noted.

"If you were to think of what types of books Tyson might be interested in, it was exactly what you would imagine — southern Alberta, ranching, rodeo, cowboys, horses, western art, cowboy art, and folk music."

The reading area features a cozy seating arrangement overlooking Lethbridge's picturesque coulees.

Shelves are lined with books from Tyson's collection, and a glass table display showcases an assortment of personal notes, letters, event tickets, and other memorabilia.

Eva highlighted the personal nature of the items.

"Many of the books have notes written in them or are inscribed by people who gave books to him, while others had ticket stubs or poems and hand-written notes stuffed in them," she described.

"The ticket stubs from Nashville to Denver and the cowboy poetry gathering every year in Elko, there's a whole story and legacy there we want people to experience."

Tyson's contributions to music and culture are well-documented.

He has been inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Western Music Association Hall of Fame.

Additionally, he was a member of the Order of Canada and received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.

His decision to entrust his personal library to the University of Lethbridge underscores the deep connection he had with the institution.

Director of Philanthropy and Information Services Erika Scott expressed gratitude for Tyson's trust.

"To be part of Tyson's planned giving decision is very gratifying for the University because it highlights the shared values we enjoyed, the personal relationship we developed, and the trust he had in us utilizing his library in a way that kept not only his legacy alive but that of the culture he cherished," she stated.

The library has retained over 300 titles from Tyson's collection, with approximately 260 on display and another 50 placed in special collections due to their value.

Eva emphasized the significance of the collection.

"Once we started to go through the collection, we found a number of really niche books you would have a hard time finding anywhere else that explored southern Alberta themes, so this just seemed like a natural home for them," she said.

"There are a number of items that could be used for research purposes. But also, I'm really hoping the public finds out about this because I think they'd find it very interesting."

The Ian Tyson Reading Area is open to the public.

Visitors can browse the collection, and those with a University of Lethbridge library card or TAL card can borrow select items.

Eva expressed hope that the community would engage with the space.

"I think there will be community interest, as much as University interest. He's legendary around these parts. I'm glad the word's getting out there we were able to keep some of his items here, and we want people to know about it and be able to share it with people."

The University of Lethbridge continues to honor Tyson's legacy, ensuring that his contributions to music and culture remain accessible to future generations.