All CCPL locations will be closed for the Veterans Day Holiday on Monday, November 11. We will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, November 12.

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The Makerspace

makerspace

A Makerspace is a community center where tools are provided to design, engineer, fabricate and learn. All skill levels are welcome and it offers a safe do it yourself environment where failure is just another step in the learning process. Learning may be self-directed or instructor led, and Exploration Commons will provide the staff and guest instructors to assist with all learning styles.

Who may use the Makerspace

The Makerspace is for ages 8 – Adult. Children ages 8 – 11 may work with an equipment certified adult in the use of some machines in the space, but may not operate themselves. Children ages 12 – 15 may operate machinery with the assistance of an equipment certified adult. Persons aged 16 and older may operate any of the available equipment. An Exploration Commons/Library card is required to use makerspace equipment and all users must be certified to use select equipment.

Programs held in the Makerspace will be led by an instructor and may also have age restrictions depending on the equipment used or content of the program. An Exploration Commons/Library card is not required to attend programs.

Will there be a cost to use the Makerspace?

The use of the space is free. However, there will be a cost for some materials if required (filament, wood, acrylic, etc). There will also be programs where we need to charge to recoup expenses.

Hours and Staffing

The entire space will be open and staffed Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 8 PM, Friday - Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM. In addition to CCPL staff, we will be working with outside presenters from various industries, professors from Carroll Community College and McDaniel College, Carroll County Public Schools faculty, and local interns and volunteers. Our community has much to offer and we will require their expertise and support to make Exploration Commons a success.

Upcoming Classes and Programs

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Onshape: Beyond the Basics
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 9, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ready to take your 3D design skills to the next level? In this project-based session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive further into fundamental 3D modeling techniques for creating functional designs.

Previous Onshape experience is strongly recommended.

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Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Cork Laser Engraving Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll create a laser engraved cork project and watch your project being made on our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with laser cutting or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.

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Cricut: Create a Multi-Colored Project with Vinyl
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, participants will learn how to use Cricut Design Space and a Cricut machine to create and assemble a multi-colored vinyl sticker. All materials will be supplied, and no previous Cricut experience is required.

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VCarve: Create a Marble Maze with the CNC
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 9:30am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create a marble maze on Exploration Commons' Iconic CNC router. Previous basic computer experience is required, but no experience with the CNC router or design software is needed.

This class does not result in independent CNC use certification. 

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Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This introductory-level class includes the EC sewing machine certification necessary for many other classes and/or independent sewing machine use in the makerspace.

If you've never touched a sewing machine or a sewing needle, or if it's been years since you've sewed, and you need a refresher on the basics, then this class is for you.

Prerequisite: None

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

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Festive Fall Charcuterie Board for Two: Day Two
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Step up your fall snacking game with this two-session hybrid makerspace/teaching kitchen class! On day one, we'll use design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter to make a custom fall-themed or winter-themed charcuterie board. Head to the kitchen on day two to learn how to arrange your charcuterie board artfully. One registration covers two people working collaboratively to design and arrange a single charcuterie board.

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Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Friday, November 15, 2024 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC Router. We will focus on project design and the VCarve software in the morning session. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12 - 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.

All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending this program.

At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.

 

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Open Sewing Studio
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 16, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your current sewing project in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. 

Sewing machines are only available for those certified for independent use. You may bring your own sewing machine to this class; you must have working knowledge of how to operate your machine.

Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.

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Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 18, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. 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.

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Draft - Hold program slot for Josiah's replacement
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D design and modeling! In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive into the fundamental concepts and practical techniques needed to design for 3D printing.

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Sewing: Embroidery Machine Basics
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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 to complete the Embroidery Machine Independent Certification after completing this class. 

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Getting Started with Unity's Create with Code
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Start your Unity and C# journey with Unity's Create with Code. This class will begin with a review of the course. Then, you will dive into Unit 1 and create a driving simulator by importing assets, simulating gravity, mapping player controls, and more.

While this class only covers Unit 1, participants will be shown how to continue the course independently.

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Laser Engraved Wood Mini Barn Quilts
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 23, 2024 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Color mapping allows you to specify laser settings based on designated colors within your laser cutting design. Learn the basics of color mapping while creating a simple geometric wood barn quilt design. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.

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Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 25, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. 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.

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Sewing Skills: Using Templates
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how templates can increase sewing speed and accuracy. In this class, we will make a 12" x 18" reversible placemat with mitered corners. 

Series Prerequisites and Required Skills:

  • Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification
  • can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
  • can sew items together with different seam allowances
  • have previously sewn items equivalent to the projects in the Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes: small fabric container, lined canvas tote with webbing handles, lined pouch with zipper

Required Materials:

  • A sewing machine will be provided
  • Students will supply the appropriate fabric, elastic, and thread for their garment
  • Fabric 45" wide piece of 100% cotton lightweight home decor fabric, pre-washed and dried
    • 1/2 yard of main fabric
    • 3/4 yard of contrasting fabric for the back and border
  • Matching thread
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Gingerbread Cream Pie and Pie Lid Engraving
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 30, 2024 - 1:00pm - 4:45pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen-makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, preparing all the components for a delicious gingerbread cream pie. While our ingredients cool, we'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen and assemble the pies to take home!

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Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the types of jewelry you can make with our makerspace technology. We will review the available equipment, selecting appropriate materials, and setting up design files for success. Using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro laser, participants will make either a pair of earrings or a necklace to take home. This is an introductory level program; no previous experience with design software or laser cutting (or certification) is required. 

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Holiday Sewing: Reversible Stocking
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday stocking in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn about:

  • sewing curves
  • trimming and notching to ensure a smooth outer surface
  • how to incorporate a hanging tab 

Apply these skills and more to create a 12" x 18" reversible stocking with a mock cuffed top and hanging tag. Instructions for personalizing your stocking will be included. 

Prerequisites:

  • Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

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Intermediate Laser Cutting: Designing Custom Puzzles
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this intermediate-level laser design class, we will demonstrate and teach users how to design their custom-cut puzzles using different tools in Adobe Illustrator and Epilog's laser cutting software. 

Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.

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Holiday Creations: Design and Engrave a Gift Box
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.

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Holiday Sewing: Reversible Stocking
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday stocking in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn about:

  • sewing curves
  • trimming and notching to ensure a smooth outer surface
  • how to incorporate a hanging tab 

Apply these skills and more to create a 12" x 18" reversible stocking with a mock cuffed top and hanging tag. Instructions for personalizing your stocking will be included. 

Prerequisites:

  • Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

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Create a Personalized Wood Holiday Ornament
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple wood ornament with personalized text on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for the laser, and then you'll watch your ornament being made. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.