Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 24, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Great for beginner bakers, participants will make coffeehouse-style scones with cranberry and orange, topped with a sweet orange glaze.
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 24, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Great for beginner bakers, participants will make coffeehouse-style scones with cranberry and orange, topped with a sweet orange glaze.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 27, 2025 - 12:30pm - 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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 27, 2025 - 12:30pm - 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.
National Chocolate Cake Day
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 27, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Celebrate National Chocolate Day in our teaching kitchen with a cake decorating class! Teens are invited to register to create a chocolate-filled, frosted, drizzled, and decorated cake. Each registration is for one teen and one cake.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 27, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Celebrate National Chocolate Day in our teaching kitchen with a cake decorating class! Teens are invited to register to create a chocolate-filled, frosted, drizzled, and decorated cake. Each registration is for one teen and one cake.
Sewing Skills: Fabric Cutting
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to use traditional and updated techniques and tools for preparing and cutting fabric. You will leave with the confidence to use a rotary cutter and mat as well as traditional cutting tools. This is a beginner-friendly class; no sewing experience is required.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to use traditional and updated techniques and tools for preparing and cutting fabric. You will leave with the confidence to use a rotary cutter and mat as well as traditional cutting tools. This is a beginner-friendly class; no sewing experience is required.
Basic Knife Skills
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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.
Soundscaping: Intro to FL Studio and Roland Keyboard
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of music creation with an intro to FL Studio and a look into a few of the unique features of our own Roland FP-90X keyboard.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of music creation with an intro to FL Studio and a look into a few of the unique features of our own Roland FP-90X keyboard.
Breakfast for Dinner: Breakfast Burritos
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
A delightful twist on dinner! Join us as we make breakfast burritos filled with crispy breakfast potatoes, breakfast sausage, and eggs, all wrapped up in a tortilla. Participants will make their very own breakfast burrito.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
A delightful twist on dinner! Join us as we make breakfast burritos filled with crispy breakfast potatoes, breakfast sausage, and eggs, all wrapped up in a tortilla. Participants will make their very own breakfast burrito.
Gnocchi with Browned Butter and Sage
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of tender gnocchi to toss in browned butter and sage.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of tender gnocchi to toss in browned butter and sage.
Making Customized Chocolate for Valentine's Day
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Brunch with Andrea Berstler
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 31, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join CCPL's Executive Director Andrea Berstler to make homemade sausage gravy and scratch biscuits.
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 31, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join CCPL's Executive Director Andrea Berstler to make homemade sausage gravy and scratch biscuits.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 1, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 1, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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!
Cooking for Wellness: Tempeh Teriyaki
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 3, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
It’s time to broaden your protein horizons for Heart Health Month. Research supports embracing plant-based proteins to support a healthy heart, and while tofu isn’t everyone's favorite texture, there are plenty of other whole food sources of plant protein. Tempeh is an excellent choice and the perfect pairing for discussing a heart-healthy diet. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 3, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
It’s time to broaden your protein horizons for Heart Health Month. Research supports embracing plant-based proteins to support a healthy heart, and while tofu isn’t everyone's favorite texture, there are plenty of other whole food sources of plant protein. Tempeh is an excellent choice and the perfect pairing for discussing a heart-healthy diet. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Adobe Illustrator: Beyond the Basics
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 3, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a comprehensive two-session Adobe Illustrator program where we further explore the software's capabilities and build on our existing knowledge. 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 videos before the class.
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 3, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a comprehensive two-session Adobe Illustrator program where we further explore the software's capabilities and build on our existing knowledge. 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 videos before the class.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 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.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 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.
Gnocchi with Browned Butter and Sage
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of tender gnocchi to toss in browned butter and sage.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of tender gnocchi to toss in browned butter and sage.
Design a Battle of the Books Team Shirt
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Create a custom design for your Battle of the Books team shirts. Learn to make a simple one-color design in Adobe Illustrator and review the options for applying your design to a shirt. We will review the pros and cons of different materials and processes, learn essential tips to avoid frustration when making the shirts, and briefly discuss how you can add more style to your design. You will leave class with a basic design file that can be cut on a cutting machine at home or later in the makerspace (bring a USB thumb drive to class or be prepared to save your file to the cloud for future access).
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Create a custom design for your Battle of the Books team shirts. Learn to make a simple one-color design in Adobe Illustrator and review the options for applying your design to a shirt. We will review the pros and cons of different materials and processes, learn essential tips to avoid frustration when making the shirts, and briefly discuss how you can add more style to your design. You will leave class with a basic design file that can be cut on a cutting machine at home or later in the makerspace (bring a USB thumb drive to class or be prepared to save your file to the cloud for future access).
This program is for adults only; each team may bring up to two adults to the program, but only one person per team should register.
Design a Battle of the Books Team Shirt
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Create a custom design for your Battle of the Books team shirts. Learn to make a simple one-color design in Adobe Illustrator and review the options for applying your design to a shirt. We will review the pros and cons of different materials and processes, learn essential tips to avoid frustration when making the shirts, and briefly discuss how you can add more style to your design. You will leave class with a basic design file that can be cut on a cutting machine at home or later in the makerspace (bring a USB thumb drive to class or be prepared to save your file to the cloud for future access).
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Create a custom design for your Battle of the Books team shirts. Learn to make a simple one-color design in Adobe Illustrator and review the options for applying your design to a shirt. We will review the pros and cons of different materials and processes, learn essential tips to avoid frustration when making the shirts, and briefly discuss how you can add more style to your design. You will leave class with a basic design file that can be cut on a cutting machine at home or later in the makerspace (bring a USB thumb drive to class or be prepared to save your file to the cloud for future access).
This program is for adults only; each team may bring up to two adults to the program, but only one person per team should register.
Making Customized Chocolate for Valentine's Day
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Independent Project Design: Video Editing Workshop
Exploration Commons
Friday, February 7, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you have a video project you wish to edit together but are unsure where to start? This is the class for you! Unlike our other classes, which just cover the introduction to video editing software, this class is specifically oriented to giving you one-on-one assistance.
Exploration Commons
Friday, February 7, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you have a video project you wish to edit together but are unsure where to start? This is the class for you! Unlike our other classes, which just cover the introduction to video editing software, this class is specifically oriented to giving you one-on-one assistance.
During this orientation session, we'll review your current situation and the results you're looking to achieve. You will work on this project on your own time and have access to up to two one-on-one sessions to review progress, discuss challenges, and get support for moving forward.
Participants are responsible for bringing their video footage to be looked over.
Pavlovas
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert requires patience but results in a treat with a meringue base, Chantilly cream layer, and berries on top. Attendees will spend the first hour in our kitchen and then get an hour break while they're baking between 2 and 3 PM (estimated) to leave the facility if they choose. Then, we'll return to the kitchen to finish our pavlovas.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert requires patience but results in a treat with a meringue base, Chantilly cream layer, and berries on top. Attendees will spend the first hour in our kitchen and then get an hour break while they're baking between 2 and 3 PM (estimated) to leave the facility if they choose. Then, we'll return to the kitchen to finish our pavlovas.
Seniors Cook: Cooking for One or Two
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 10, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
NOTE TIME CHANGE: A demo class and tasting of delicious meals for one. Recipes will include Shrimp Pasta Bowls, Mediterranean Chicken, One-Pan Salmon with Veggies, and Apple Muffin Cups. There is no fee for this class.
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 10, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
NOTE TIME CHANGE: A demo class and tasting of delicious meals for one. Recipes will include Shrimp Pasta Bowls, Mediterranean Chicken, One-Pan Salmon with Veggies, and Apple Muffin Cups. There is no fee for this class.
Adobe Illustrator: Beyond the Basics
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 10, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a comprehensive two-session Adobe Illustrator program where we further explore the software's capabilities and build on our existing knowledge. 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 videos before the class.
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 10, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a comprehensive two-session Adobe Illustrator program where we further explore the software's capabilities and build on our existing knowledge. 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 videos before the class.
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Slate Laser Cutter Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 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 create a simple slate 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 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 create a simple slate 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.
Edge-Lit Acrylic Signs: Valentine Edition
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm
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.
Beginner Sewing Level 3: Sewing with Knit Fabrics
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class you will learn about different weight knit fabrics used for garment sewing and learn how to handle and sew seams on different weight knit fabric samples. Learn how to apply a self-fabric neckband and sew a coverstitch hem on a knit fabric sample.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class you will learn about different weight knit fabrics used for garment sewing and learn how to handle and sew seams on different weight knit fabric samples. Learn how to apply a self-fabric neckband and sew a coverstitch hem on a knit fabric sample.
Class Prerequisites and Required Skills
- Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
- thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and troubleshoot tension issues
- sew straight and curved seams while maintaining consistent seam allowance
- know how to read and work with a pattern and cut fabric with care and accuracy
- have a basic understanding of different fabric types and have sewn with a few different types and weights
Required Materials
- A sewing machine and materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 3: Intro to Garment Sewing
This set of classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information and resources along with hands-on experiences.
The classes in this series introduce the following information and skills:
- insert a set-in sleeve
- sewing with knits
- sewing a trouser fly
- sewing the fitted waistband
Simple Seasonal Soups
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
A warm cup of soup is the perfect way to warm up a chilly winter evening and an easy way to increase your daily vegetable intake. We will prepare a few different soup recipes that can be prepared on a busy weeknight, utilizing a few time-saving ingredients. At least one plant-based soup will be included.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
A warm cup of soup is the perfect way to warm up a chilly winter evening and an easy way to increase your daily vegetable intake. We will prepare a few different soup recipes that can be prepared on a busy weeknight, utilizing a few time-saving ingredients. At least one plant-based soup will be included.
Design an Augmented Reality Project with CoSpaces
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
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.
Galentine's in the Kitchen
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Bring your favorite gal pal for a Galentine's Day cooking class. Recipes will include Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini, Lobster Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce, Waffles with Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. This is a hands-on cooking class. One registration per group, with a maximum group size of two.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Bring your favorite gal pal for a Galentine's Day cooking class. Recipes will include Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini, Lobster Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce, Waffles with Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. This is a hands-on cooking class. One registration per group, with a maximum group size of two.
