Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Laser-Cut Interlocking Boxes
Monday, May 11, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to design and cut interlocking boxes with custom dividers using the laser cutter. This hands-on class will cover the basics of box-making joints, divider layouts, and assembly techniques, giving you the skills to create sturdy, personalized storage solutions.
Cook Together: Easy Lasagna Roll Ups
Monday, May 11, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 6 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this family-friendly class, we will make delicious lasagna roll-ups and will enjoy our meal together in the kitchen. This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
At least one child aged 6–17
At least one adult
The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older or left unfilled.
Making for Seniors: Engrave a Simple Paper Project
Tuesday, May 12, 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 design to be engraved on a small craft paper gift bag and watch your project being made on one of our Epilog laser cutters. 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.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 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.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 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.)
Engraved Tumblers
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be engraving tumblers using Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design with text and graphics. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification. You may bring custom images with you, preferably on a thumb drive, if you already have an idea in mind.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Thread Catcher (Class 1)
Thursday, May 14, 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 about various fabric stabilizers and how to interpret and follow directions. Practice sewing in a straight line. Apply these techniques to make a small fabric basket to catch loose threads.
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 from taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between creating designs and navigating unique settings on pre-painted paper canvases. It is recommended that you bring any photos you would like to engrave with you on a flash drive to help save design time.
The longer class time is necessary for this program due to the long print times on this material. Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Satisfying Weeknight Pasta Sauce
Friday, May 15, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 11 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
We’ll make a savory, vegetarian pasta sauce that even meat-eaters will enjoy. This hands-on class will demonstrate how to create rich flavor and satisfying texture while keeping weeknight prep quick by using a food processor.
Children ages 11 - 14 may register and attend ONLY if a supervising adult registers and attends with them. An adult can supervise a maximum of two children. All attendees, adults and children, must register.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, May 16, 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, May 16, 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.
Embroidery Machine: In-the-Hoop Projects
Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Check out the in-the-hoop projects you can do on the Bernina 535 Embroidery Machine. In this demo class, learn how you can use the embroidery machine to make bookmarks, gift tags, greeting cards, zipper bags, stuffed toys, photo frames, and more. We will review the different in-the-hoop projects available in our OESD design collection, discuss where to find additional files, and walk through an in-the-hoop project.
Two-Day Class: Focaccia Bread & Roasted Pepper and Tomato Soup
Monday, May 18, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
On day one, participants will prepare the focaccia dough and the roasted red bell pepper and tomato soup. On day two, participants will bake the focaccia and enjoy it paired with warmed soup.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Monday, May 18, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between creating designs and navigating unique settings on pre-painted paper canvases. It is recommended that you bring any photos you would like to engrave with you on a flash drive to help save design time.
The longer class time is necessary for this program due to the long print times on this material. Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Two-Day Class: Focaccia Bread & Roasted Pepper and Tomato Soup
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
On day one, participants will prepare the focaccia dough and the roasted red bell pepper and tomato soup. On day two, participants will bake the focaccia and enjoy it paired with warmed soup.
Beginner Cricut: Create a Multi-Colored Project with Vinyl
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Next Steps with Arduino
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 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 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.
Satisfying Weeknight Pasta Sauce
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 11 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
We’ll make a savory, vegetarian pasta sauce that even meat-eaters will enjoy. This hands-on class will demonstrate how to create rich flavor and satisfying texture while keeping weeknight prep quick by using a food processor.
Children ages 11 - 14 may register and attend ONLY if a supervising adult registers and attends with them. An adult can supervise a maximum of two children. All attendees, adults and children, must register.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Canvas Tote (Class 2)
Thursday, May 21, 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 work with different-weight fabrics and sew a boxed corner. Students will also learn about topstitching, reinforcement stitching, and how to use webbing to make bag handles. Apply these skills and more to make a lined canvas tote bag with coordinating handles.
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.
Make Your Own Crackers
Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Love crispy crackers but hate all the extra ingredients in store-bought? Learn to make crackers from scratch. We will be making two types of crackers and a simple, tasty spread to serve with them. These will be great additions to your next charcuterie board or just make a great snack.
Teens Cook: Personal Pizza
Friday, May 22, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
CCPS has early dismissal today! Teens, come spend the afternoon in our teaching kitchen making your own personal pizza with the toppings of your own choosing.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 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.)
