Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
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.
Gardening for the Kitchen
Thursday, July 9, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Unleash your creativity with herbs as we explore how to grow and use them in your favorite recipes! Join Joanna Compton, owner of Growing Partners, to explore the fascinating world of herbs and discover how they complement each other in the garden and the kitchen. Whether you're an experienced cook or enthusiastic gardener, she'll guide you through selecting the right herbs for your garden. Tastings include various dishes made with rosemary, cooked, baked, and even infused beverages. Recipes include Peach Rosemary Mocktails, Orzo Lemon & Rosemary Salad, and Rosemary-Kissed Orange Thumbprint Cookies Tuscano.
Note: Closed-toed shoes are required in the Teaching Kitchen.
Soundscaping: Intro to FL Studio and Roland Keyboard
Thursday, July 9, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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 Roland FP-90X keyboard.
Cook Together: Brunch with Friends
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come with your friends to this fun, hands-on, brunch-inspired class. Recipes include Crème Brûlée Stuffed French Toast, Customizable Quiche, Candied Bacon, and Summer Fruit with Lime Mint Sugar.
Each registered group will work together to create recipes and then enjoy eating their creations. Each group should be at least two people but can be up to four people.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 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.
Open Sewing Studio (Reserve a Sewing Machine)
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 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.
Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies
Monday, July 13, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:00pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Kids, get ready to roll, fill, crimp, and bake your own delicious fruit hand pies. In this tasty and fun kitchen class, young bakers will first create a homemade seasonal fruit filling and then tuck it into premade dough to create a flaky sweet summer treat. Reminder that closed-toed shoes are required in our kitchen!
Sewing Repairs: Learning the Basics
Monday, July 13, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of sewing repairs and modifications using our Brother sewing machines. We will learn how to hem, use a buttonhole foot, and stitch a patch.
All registrants must be Sewing Machine Certified.
Making for Seniors: Engrave a Simple Laserable Leatherette Project
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 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 Adobe Illustrator to create a simple project to be engraved on a laserable leatherette item 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.
Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:00pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Kids, get ready to roll, fill, crimp, and bake your own delicious fruit hand pies. In this tasty and fun kitchen class, young bakers will first create a homemade seasonal fruit filling and then tuck it into premade dough to create a flaky sweet summer treat. Reminder that closed-toed shoes are required in our kitchen!
Sewing Skills: Interfacing Basics
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to use interfacing to improve the structure and finish of your sewing projects. This beginner-level class will introduce common types of interfacing and explain when and how to use them in both garment and project construction. Students will work with different types of interfacing and leave with samples. The class will also review sewing terminology and construction concepts. Resource handouts will be provided.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Bright, Beautiful Salads
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
Baking Basics: Mandarin Orange Refrigerator Cake
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Create a delicious no-bake dessert with mandarin oranges, ladyfingers, and a creamy filling, perfect for summer. The guest presenter is Andrea Berstler. Each registrant will make a cake to take home.
Laser Cutting Refresher
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Next Steps with Arduino
Wednesday, July 15, 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 various 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 a few challenging Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available for use in the makerspace. It is recommended that you have taken Introduction to Arduino or have previous experience with an Arduino before this program.
Sewing Skills: Foundation Piecing Techniques
Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of quilting techniques, like String, Strip, and Crazy Quilting, in foundation piecing to create unique fabrics to use in your projects. Foundation fabrics will be provided along with scrap pieces.
Students are invited to bring their own scrap fabrics as well.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Blender Basics
Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn some basics of Blender, an open-source 3D modeling software. Participants will walk through the user interface and controls while making a small project.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 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.)
K-Pop Party: Boba Tea Creations
Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 11:00am - 3:00pmAges: 8 - Adults, Adults
Class information
Join us for our FOURTH annual celebration of everything K-pop! There will be a drop-in bubble tea bar in the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen throughout the day. Drop in for games, crafts, music, Korean snacks, prizes, and more at the Westminster Branch. Wear your favorite K-pop outfit and bring photo cards to trade! Goodie bags will be available while supplies last.
Fantastic Ferments Demo
Monday, July 20, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30amAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn about the health benefits of fermented foods and ways to add them to your everyday diet. In this demo class, we will review many types of fermented products, sample recipes using these gut-healthy products, and discuss how you can use fermented products at home.
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Cooking Demo
Monday, July 20, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 13 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Tikka Masala is a popular Indian food featuring a spiced creamy tomato sauce. This demo class features Chicken Tikka Masala and how to make homemade garam masala spice blend.
Creating Spiral Fidgets on Fusion 360
Monday, July 20, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Fusion 360 is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating basic to advanced 3D models. In this class we will utilize the various tools within Fusion 360 to create a spiral fidget to demonstrate the capabilities of this software and help improve your design skills.
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 12:30pm - 1:15pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.
Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.
If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.
