Part artist, part craftsman and part historian, Les Campbell's passion for wood turning and collecting wood samples from around the globe is about to benefit the Orem Public Library.

A hobby/addiction he picked up from his late brother who was himself a professional wood carver, wood turning involves using a lathe to smooth and curve the wood to create eggs, bowls, spoons, mushrooms, and other items. A member and trustee of the International Society of Wood Collectors (a group that collects, trades and sells rare and unusual samples of wood around the globe), his favorite wood to work is burls -- large, knotty forms in trees. Some examples have intricate patterns and resemble bird's-eye maple, a variety of hues, or pointy protrusions that make them much sought after by collectors and woodworkers.

"Certain trees have burls that are gorgeous," Campbell said. "Trees die but I feel when I work on a piece of wood, it's perpetuating the life of that wood ... To perpetuate the beauty that has already been created."

From his love of wood turning, Campbell has started a cottage business, Les Campbell Creations, and enjoys nothing more than being in his wood shop crafting gifts for family, friends and associates.

"I don't have a Web site because I don't want it to control my life," he said. "If I advertise, the joy of wood becomes a task and I don't ever want it to be."

Included in his ever-growing 1,300 piece international collection are rattlesnake wood from South America -- "It literally looks like rattlesnake skin" -- to pink ivory from Africa which use historically was reserved only for Zulu tribal chiefs and their sons to make spearheads and other tools.

After donating some of his hand-made wares last year for a fund-raising auction to benefit the SCERA Center for the Arts and a similar event for Utah Valley State College, he contacted the Orem Public Library and presented them with 100 items to help raise funds.

Michelle Millet, an assistant librarian with the library's outreach services, said staff gladly accepted his gift and will hold a silent auction of the baskets, walkings sticks, spoons, eggs, and tops through May 24. The up-for-bid items are currently on display in the glass case near the circulation desk at the library's main entrance. Bid sheets are available at the circulation desk.

"I think it's a great thing. It not only brings together community members for them to see what talents (residents) have, but it gives them a chance to learn about these various art forms," she said.

All the proceeds from the silent auction will be used to purchase book discussion group books and support materials, Millet said. A portion of the funds will also go toward the creation of an Outreach Book Collection for senior centers and retirement homes in Orem.

Despite poor eyesight, Campbell researches his subjects for wood projects at the library and hopes his gift will underscore the importance of the library's role in the Orem community.

"The Orem Public Library was picked as one of the top 50 libraries in the United States," he said. "It's absolutely critical and absolutely unique, the situation that we have ... There are things there for everyone to enjoy."