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Upcoming Events

Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.

program233570
Edge-Lit Acrylic Signs: Valentine Edition
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:15pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We're taking a twist on everyone's favorite edge-lit signs class! Choose from a selection of Valentine-themed cut-out designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flare to your room, desk, or workspace. In this program, you’ll laser engrave Valentine-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand. 

program223375
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 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.

program219932
Making for Good: Finksburg Branch Garden Tags
Exploration Commons
Friday, February 21, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Finksburg Branch of CCPL needs our help! Their gardens are overfilled with many different types of plants, and our task is to create engraved metal plate tags to identify them. Put your laser skills to use in this Making for Good class, where all items will be used so the community can enjoy learning more about the Finksburg Branch Garden. All attendees must be laser-certified to participate.

program232109
Decorative Strawberry Jelly Roll
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Bake a delicious sweet for your sweethearts. This strawberry roll cake is decorated with your choice of hearts or strawberries, baked, and then rolled with strawberry jam and cream cheese filling.

program232110
Spices of the World: Black Pepper
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 24, 2025 - 10:30am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This is the second class in our Spices & Herbs series and will focus on black pepper's sourcing, flavors, and varieties. We will taste various forms of black pepper and evaluate them using flavor descriptors. Samples and recipes for sweet and savory dishes will be provided.

program222654
Let's Start a Podcast!
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 24, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you want to get into podcasting but don't know where to start? This is the class for you! We will cover the basics of the different recording software we offer and introduce the equipment we provide in the Audio/Video Lab. 

program224613
Robot Coding with Pepper
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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. 

program221191
Cricut: Create a Multi-Colored Project with Vinyl
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - 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.

The project for this program will involve creating a name or word sticker with multiple colors.

program223601
Laser Cutting Refresher
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
If it's been a while since you passed your Exploration Commons laser certification and you could use a refresher on the process, this class is for you! Get a reintroduction to the basics of using our Epilog Fusion Pro and Edge lasers.  

This class is for customers who have already been certified for Exploration Commons independent laser use. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.

Previous Laser Certification is required.

program224866
The Perfect Patty Melt
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Participants will make traditional patty melts and uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect patty melt, where juicy beef patties meet golden, grilled bread and a traditional Russian dressing.

program233884
Beginner Sewing Level 2: Intro to Garment Construction
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This series of sewing classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information, resources, and hands-on experience.

Beginner Sewing Level 2: Intro to Garment Construction introduces the following information and skills:

  • Fabric types, terminology, and preparation for sewing
  • Interfacing types, uses, and application
  • Reading, customizing, and cutting from a commercial pattern
  • Constructing and finishing a simple garment

This is a series class; you need to register for the first class and attend all three.

  • Class 1: Choosing, Purchasing, and Preparing Fabrics for Garment Sewing
  • Class 2: Measuring the Body, Preparing the Pattern and Fabric, and Cutting the Fabric
  • Class 3: Sewing Your Slim Cut Lounge Pants

Series Prerequisites and Required Skills:

  • Exploration Commons' sewing machine certification
  • Can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
  • Can sew items together with different seam allowances
  • Understand the purpose of back-stitching
  • 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, some materials, and a commercial sewing pattern will be provided
  • Students will supply the appropriate fabric, elastic, and thread for their garment
  • Appropriate amount of prewashed and dried fabric for your size*
  • Appropriate width and amount of elastic for your size*
  • Matching thread*

*Do not purchase fabric, elastic, or thread before the first class.

program221423
Taste as You Go: The Art of Seasoning
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Explore the basics of balanced seasoning. Learn how salt and acid work together to transform flavors and how tasting as you go ensures perfectly seasoned dishes.

program222990
Design an Augmented Reality Scavenger Hunt Game with CoSpaces Edu
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Augmented reality allows us to combine digital elements with real-world objects. Join us to learn how to create and code a simple augmented reality scavenger hunt. Using CoSpaces Edu, we will walk through a facilitated project build you can share with family and friends. 

program233763
Dinner's on Me: Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 1, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Hey, teens, let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Improve your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen. We will prepare pan-seared pork chops with a simple pan sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli. 

program226030
Cooking for Wellness: Low Carb-onara
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 3, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
A moderate carbohydrate diet is key to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. But you don’t have to give up your carby favorites altogether. This carbonara recipe will show you how to moderate carb intake while still enjoying flavor and feeling full. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.

program231712
Pork Katsu Bento Box Dinner
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 3, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will make a pork katsu bento box dinner, including fried pork katsu, fluffy white rice, and crisp cucumber sunomono salad. 

program233881
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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.

program233888
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - 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.

program234963
Dinner for Friends
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make a simple, delicious vegetarian meal for your friends! We’ll make an appetizer, a dinner salad, and dessert. This class is ideal for beginning cooks!

program236763
Sewing Skills Practice: Fabric Playing Card Holder
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a card holder for those fun family card games! A folding card holder is great for small hands, hands that find small things challenging to hold, or anyone who loves card games. This project is great for practicing sewing skills. Participants must be Exploration Commons sewing machine certified prior to taking this class.

program234064
Introduction to Arduino
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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.

program233885
Beginner Sewing Level 2: Intro to Garment Construction
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This series of sewing classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information, resources, and hands-on experience.

Beginner Sewing Level 2: Intro to Garment Construction introduces the following information and skills:

  • Fabric types, terminology, and preparation for sewing
  • Interfacing types, uses, and application
  • Reading, customizing, and cutting from a commercial pattern
  • Constructing and finishing a simple garment

This is a series class; you need to register for the first class and attend all three.

  • Class 1: Choosing, Purchasing, and Preparing Fabrics for Garment Sewing
  • Class 2: Measuring the Body, Preparing the Pattern and Fabric, and Cutting the Fabric
  • Class 3: Sewing Your Slim Cut Lounge Pants

Series Prerequisites and Required Skills:

  • Exploration Commons' sewing machine certification
  • Can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
  • Can sew items together with different seam allowances
  • Understand the purpose of back-stitching
  • 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, some materials, and a commercial sewing pattern will be provided
  • Students will supply the appropriate fabric, elastic, and thread for their garment
  • Appropriate amount of prewashed and dried fabric for your size*
  • Appropriate width and amount of elastic for your size*
  • Matching thread*

*Do not purchase fabric, elastic, or thread before the first class.

program237504
Mastering Marinades: Two Day Class
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover how a simple marinade can enhance the flavor of your meals. Day one will focus on marinade basics - the ingredients and processes for various proteins and vegetables. On day two, we'll showcase the marinated foods using a variety of recipes and cooking methods.

program235726
Intro to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!

program237505
Mastering Marinades: Two Day Class
Exploration Commons
Friday, March 7, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover how a simple marinade can enhance the flavor of your meals. Day one will focus on marinade basics - the ingredients and processes for various proteins and vegetables. On day two, we'll showcase the marinated foods using a variety of recipes and cooking methods.

program234068
Learn to Solder
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit.

program236036
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This program is for those completing the final step of our online embroidery machine certification training. You must complete the online training and pass the quiz before registering. Registrations from individuals who have not completed the online training will be canceled. 

Here is a link to our certification page where you can take the online training for the embroidery machine:
https://explorationcommons.carr.org/makerspace/equipment-trainings.asp

If the class is full or doesn't meet your schedule, you may still schedule your in-person practical session via the form on our equipment training page. These sessions are offered to make scheduling easier for some participants.

program233774
Basic Knife Skills
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 10, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on class will cover everything you need to know about caring for your knives and how to use them. You'll learn how to chop, dice, and mince and get plenty of practice with other professional cuts. This is a beginner class.

program236057
Making for Theatre: Creating Props with Electronics
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 10, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Are you interested in designing props for theatre? Join this two-day program, where you'll combine 3D printing and LEDs to create an interactive, illuminated prop!

  • Day One: Plan and design your prop using 3D modeling and 3D printing techniques.
  • Day Two: Integrate electronics and LEDs to bring your prop to life.

This hands-on program is perfect for anyone curious about merging technology and creativity in theatre.

program234028
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Wood Laser Cutter Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - 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 use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple wood laser cutter 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.

program234074
Introduction to Onshape & 3D Printing
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling, design, and 3D printing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a 3D-printed keychain.

program235629
Traditional Mofongo
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Make a serving of traditional Puerto Rican mofongo. A classic dish served in many Latin American countries, mofongo is made of fried plantains mashed with garlic and chicharrón and is typically served with a side of meat or on a bed of broth.

program235930
Robot Coding with Pepper
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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. 

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