Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Japanese Knot Bag (Class 6)
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Sew a fully lined, curved project bag. Learn to sew and finish a bag with two handles that are incorporated into the design of the bag.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Easy Weeknight: Thai Beef with Coconut Rice
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Add some new flavors to your busy evenings in this hands-on cooking class. Join us in making this fast but tasty, spicy-sweet ground beef stir-fry, served over creamy coconut rice.
Inclusive Cooks: Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies
Friday, June 26, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30amAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare strawberry rhubarb hand pies.
Intermediate Illustrator: Text on a Path Tool and Creating Repeating Patterns
Saturday, June 27, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this intermediate-level Adobe Illustrator skill-building class, we'll get hands-on experience with several tools to help you customize your projects and streamline graphics replication. Learn to elevate your text with the type on a path tool. Create repeating patterns and unique graphics with replication tools.
Participants must be comfortable creating and making basic changes to shapes and text in Adobe Illustrator prior to attending this class.
Adobe Illustrator: Intermediate Tools
Monday, June 29, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come explore more of Adobe Illustrator's capabilities in this skill-building class. We will cover various tools such as the rotate tool, reflect tool, pen and curvature tools, and shearing tools. Because this class explores more advanced functionality, it is strongly recommended that participants take our Intro to Adobe Illustrator class or complete the following prerequisite video on LinkedIn Learning: Illustrator 2025 Essential Training prior to the class date. Use the phrase 'carroll' when asked for your Library ID on LinkedIn Learning.
Tiramisu
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn what makes tiramisu an irresistible classic! Participants will learn what tiramisu is and create their very own to take home to share.
Creating AI Images for Use in the Makerspace
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will discuss using generative AI to create images for use in the Makerspace. Topics will include what generative AI is and how it works, common pitfalls and issues with AI images, and the potential for AI use in the Makerspace. Participants will need a Google login and password for the hands-on portion of this class.
Bright, Beautiful Salads
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking class, participants will prepare bright, beautiful salads inspired by flavors from around the world. Learn simple techniques for balancing vibrant flavors, textures, and homemade dressings.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more informationThis class is for customers looking to become certified for independent use of the Exploration Commons laser cutters. We will cover simple project creation in Adobe Illustrator, the basics of the Epilog Dashboard software, and Epilog laser machine use and safety. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use the Exploration Commons Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently. Due to the amount of information covered in this class, we strongly encourage registrants who do not have Adobe Illustrator experience to do one of the following prior to attending this class:
- Take an Intro to Adobe Illustrator class (in person at Exploration Commons or on LinkedIn Learning — use Library ID: carroll).
- Take a laser project class at Exploration Commons (one that does not require participants to be laser certified).
- Work through the online portion of the Exploration Commons hybrid laser certification module. (No need to take the quiz; we will do that at the end of class.)
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Small Messenger Bag (Class 7)
Thursday, July 2, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn to sew a gusset into a bag with rounded corners. Practice how to sew and insert a cross-body handle into the bag.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Knife Skills Practice: Ratatouille
Thursday, July 2, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Do you need to brush up on your knife skills? In this two-hour refresher class, we'll cover the basic cuts and create a delicious ratatouille to bake at home. The class is intended for participants who have completed a basic knife skills class.
Cooking for Wellness: Flatbread and Shakshuka
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Enjoy a flavored pack meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day without the added salt! Make a savory tomato stew with soft eggs and a fresh flatbread to dip in it. Enjoy this meal while discussing the DASH diet with a registered dietitian. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Easy Weeknight: Thai Beef with Coconut Rice
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Add some new flavors to your busy evenings in this hands-on cooking class. Join us in making this fast but tasty, spicy-sweet ground beef stir-fry, served over creamy coconut rice.
Teens Cook: Celebrate America 250 with American Diner Classics
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - 10:30am - 1:00pmAges: 12 - 17
Class registration and more information
Come work at your own American diner for the day! We'll learn to take orders, cook, and serve American classics: All-Beef Cheeseburgers, French Fries, Milkshakes or Malts. We'll enjoy lunch together and then properly clean up the kitchen. Closed-toed shoes required.
Introduction to Arduino
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Microcontrollers are everywhere and are often the unseen heroes of our modern world. From coffee makers to elevators and even the television remote control, microcontrollers can be programmed to fulfill a variety of simple tasks. The Arduino platform makes working with microcontrollers easy, fun, and offers a way to get started in electronics. Join us for a workshop where we'll explore various beginner Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available for use in the makerspace.
Robot Coding with Pepper
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Code with Pepper, CCPL's social humanoid robot! Program Pepper to strike up a conversation using the drag-and-drop interface, Choregraphe. No previous coding experience is required. Pepper was funded by a Library Services and Technology Act Grant from the Maryland State Library and Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Sewing: Embroidery Machine Basics
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get familiar with embroidery machines and the tools and materials you need to create a successful project. Through both lecture and demonstration, learn about Exploration Commons' Bernina 535E Embroidery Machine, types of hoops and stabilizers, and use of embroidery motifs. Attendees may schedule an appointment or attend the Hybrid Certification class to complete the Embroidery Machine Independent Certification after completing this class.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Reversible Drawstring Bag (Class 8)
Thursday, July 9, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn how to sew a channel onto a fully lined bag and insert drawstrings that will close the bag. Learn about using different fabric combinations to add visual interest and how to use 'boxed bottom' techniques to create a sturdy base.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
