Exploration Commons Home

Upcoming Events

Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.

Fresh Ricotta Two Ways

Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Come learn how to make fresh homemade ricotta cheese from scratch. It's easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you will be on your way to classic Italian goodness that we will then use two ways, one savory and one sweet.

Fresh Ricotta Two Ways

Friday, March 6, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Come learn how to make fresh homemade ricotta cheese from scratch. It's easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you will be on your way to classic Italian goodness that we will then use two ways, one savory and one sweet.

Intro to CNC

Saturday, March 7, 2026 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our new Makera Carvera desktop CNC machine. This class will cover project design utilizing Makera's congruent software, MakeraCAM, along with other compatible software available at Exploration Commons. There will be a break from 12 to 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.

Fresh Ricotta Two Ways

Monday, March 9, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Come learn how to make fresh homemade ricotta cheese from scratch. It's easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you will be on your way to classic Italian goodness that we will then use two ways, one savory and one sweet.

Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Slate Laser Cutter Project

Tuesday, March 10, 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 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.

Making Movies: Intro to Premiere Pro

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

See what's behind the silver screen in this introduction to Adobe's high-end video editing software, Premiere Pro! We will cover everything from basic editing tips and tricks to some cool tucked-away features in the program. So, if you have ever wanted to start getting into video editing, this is the class for you!

Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)

Tuesday, March 10, 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 sewn 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.

Raspberry Lemon Scones

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Ideal for beginner bakers, participants will make coffeehouse-style scones with raspberry and lemon, topped with a sweet lemon glaze.

Intro to MakeraCAM

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

In this class we will go over utilizing MakeraCAM, the base design software that we teach for using our Carvera CNC! So if you are interested in becoming more familiar with the user interface and available tools, this is the class for you! 

The CNC certification is NOT required for taking this course. 

Introduction to Arduino

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 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.

Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Small Zipper Bag (Class 3)

Thursday, March 12, 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. Learn to insert a zipper into a small cotton bag with a lining and learn hand-sewing techniques.

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.

Group Cook: Traditional Irish Favorites

Thursday, March 12, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Wear your green and learn to make traditional Irish brown bread. While your bread bakes, we'll demo Guinness Beef Stew and Champ. You will have the chance to taste all three recipes at the end of class. One registration of $30 per group, with a max group size of four.

Traditional Irish Favorites

Friday, March 13, 2026 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information

Wear your green and learn to make traditional Irish brown bread. While your bread bakes, we'll demo Guinness Beef Stew and Champ. You will have the chance to taste all three recipes at the end of class.

Advanced Sewing: Make a Korean Jeogori (Wrap Top)

Saturday, March 14, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Looking to put your sewing skills to the test? We'll make a Korean wrap top known as a jeogori together during this advanced-level class. 

Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification

Registrants should already feel comfortable with cutting patterns efficiently, sewing basic stitches, and independently operating the machine without assistance.

Robot Coding with Pepper

Monday, March 16, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am
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. 

Cook Together: Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups

Monday, March 16, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 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. 

Baking Basics: Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Get your Irish on! Join CCPL Board Member Dave O'Callaghan to bake a loaf of his family's age-honored Traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe.

While your loaf bakes, Dave will share Irish history, songs, and shenanigans!  There is no cost for this class; please cancel your reservation if needed so that others on the waitlist may attend.

Intro to Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Come learn how to use the Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter, which can cut 24-inch-wide rolls by however long you want! This machine is like the Cricut Maker but can create larger projects like window decals. Participants will learn how to operate the machine, what materials it accepts, and the software required to use it.

Laser Cutting Refresher

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 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 Exploration Commons Laser Certification is required.

Understanding 3D Models: What Can I 3D Print?

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

In this class, we will review the basics of what to look out for in 3D models that you would like to have 3D printed. We will review several models using the 3D modeling software Tinkercad and the 3D printer software PrusaSlicer.

Cooking Basics: Eggs and Easy Breakfasts

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

This class is for beginner cooks with limited kitchen experience. Participants will learn the parts of a nutritionally balanced breakfast and how to prepare simple items through a mix of demonstration and hands-on activities. 

We will learn how to:

  • make hard-boiled eggs
  • separate egg whites from the yolk
  • scramble eggs
  • cook oatmeal

Participants will also prepare egg muffin cups and baked oatmeal squares. 

This program is for first-time Teaching Kitchen participants only. Registrations from anyone who has previously attended a kitchen class will be canceled. 

This program is provided in partnership with the American Heart Association. 
 

Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Boxy Zippered Pouch (Class 4)

Thursday, March 19, 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. Practice adding a zipper to a sturdy, boxy pouch known as a Dopp bag. You will learn about adding a zipper to fully lined bags, using edge stitching, and how to box corners.

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.

Featured