Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Monday, January 12, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Let's meet in the Teaching Kitchen to make Vanilla Cardamom Blondies. While they bake, enjoy some tea and join in a discussion of the newest biographies led by Westminster Branch librarians. This is a joint program with CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons. Books will be available to check out at the event.
Monday, January 12, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
What's a 3D print, and how do you make it? In this class, we'll go over everything you need to know to get started with 3D printing. From materials to software to finding files online, this class will teach you the very basics.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll use Cricut Design Space to create a simple project to be cut out on one of EC's vinyl cutters. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with design software or vinyl cutting is needed. Participants are required to set up their own free Cricut Design Space account prior to attending.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 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. There will also be a demonstration and practice session creating an image for machine cutting and engraving in the Makerspace.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 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.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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!
Friday, January 16, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 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.
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration is for individuals bringing their own sewing machine. You must have a working knowledge of how to thread and operate your machine to register.
If you want to reserve a sewing machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration will reserve a sewing machine for use. You must be certified for independent use to register for this program.
If you want to bring your own sewing machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Class registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
Each registration is for a table that seats up to 4 attendees. If a child ages 6-16 is attending, the group must include at least one adult.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Join guest presenter and Executive Director Andrea Berstler in our teaching kitchen to make hot turkey soup from scratch. We will eat a mug of soup and chat with the director, and all extra soup will go to benefit the local nonprofit HSP.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this two-part class, we will first be engraving BBQ spatulas with a custom design and then be making BBQ seasoning for your next cookout.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:45pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this two-part class, we will first be engraving BBQ spatulas with a custom design and then be making BBQ seasoning for your next cookout.
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and make our custom chocolates.
