All CCPL locations will be closed for the Labor Day Holiday on Monday, September 1. We will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, September 2.
Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - 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
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - 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.
Cook Together: Studio Ghibli Bento Bash
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join fellow Studio Ghibli enthusiasts for a fun, hands-on class in the kitchen. Share your love for Studio Ghibli films, discuss your favorite characters, and create a bento box lunch inspired by these beloved stories.
One registration fee per group, up to four participants, including at least one child (ages 6–18) and one adult. The minimum group size is two. Please list the names and ages of all participants (ages 6 and up) when registering.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join fellow Studio Ghibli enthusiasts for a fun, hands-on class in the kitchen. Share your love for Studio Ghibli films, discuss your favorite characters, and create a bento box lunch inspired by these beloved stories.
One registration fee per group, up to four participants, including at least one child (ages 6–18) and one adult. The minimum group size is two. Please list the names and ages of all participants (ages 6 and up) when registering.
Let's Start a Podcast!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you want to get into podcasting but don't know where to start? Then this is the class for you! We will cover the basics of the different recording software we offer and introduce the equipment we provide in the Audio/Video Lab.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you want to get into podcasting but don't know where to start? Then this is the class for you! We will cover the basics of the different recording software we offer and introduce the equipment we provide in the Audio/Video Lab.
Intro to Web Design: Two-Part Class
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 29, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of web design by exploring both HTML and CSS.
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 29, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of web design by exploring both HTML and CSS.
Day 1 focuses on HTML, covering essential elements like headings, paragraphs, links, images, and forms to build the basic structure of a web page.
Day 2 introduces CSS, where participants will learn how to style their pages using colors, fonts, layouts, and responsive design techniques. By the end of the program, attendees will have created a simple, styled web page—an excellent starting point for their web development journey!
Basic Knife Skills
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - 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
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - 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.
Spiced Granola and Pumpkin Parfaits
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of Spiced Granola, then layer it into a Pumpkin and Yogurt Parfait.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of Spiced Granola, then layer it into a Pumpkin and Yogurt Parfait.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Boxy Zippered Pouch (Class 4)
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Intro to Adobe Photoshop
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Photoshop. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Photoshop. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!
Edge-Lit Acrylic Signs: Fall Edition
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this program, you’ll laser engrave fall-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand. Choose from a selection of fall-themed cutout designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flair to your room, desk, or workspace.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this program, you’ll laser engrave fall-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand. Choose from a selection of fall-themed cutout designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flair to your room, desk, or workspace.
Embroidery Machine: In-the-Hoop Projects
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 5, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 5, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
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
Saturday, September 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
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.
Cooking for Wellness: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular eating styles for healthy living and to help combat chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Join us in making an easy Greek chicken sheet pan dinner and learn about the Mediterranean diet with a registered dietitian in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular eating styles for healthy living and to help combat chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Join us in making an easy Greek chicken sheet pan dinner and learn about the Mediterranean diet with a registered dietitian in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Make a Custom Puzzle
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a custom puzzle! In this intermediate-level laser design class, we will demonstrate and teach users how to design their custom-cut puzzles using different tools in Adobe Illustrator and Epilog's laser cutting software.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a custom puzzle! In this intermediate-level laser design class, we will demonstrate and teach users how to design their custom-cut puzzles using different tools in Adobe Illustrator and Epilog's laser cutting software.
Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Making for Seniors: Engrave a Simple Paper Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 9, 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 use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design to be engraved on a mini paper notebook cover 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, September 9, 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 use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design to be engraved on a mini paper notebook cover 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.
Chile Rellenos
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover the bold, smoky flavors of the Southwest in this hands-on class featuring classic New Mexico-style Chile Rellenos. You’ll learn how to work with flame-roasted Hatch green chiles, prepare simple yet flavorful fillings, and fry to golden perfection.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover the bold, smoky flavors of the Southwest in this hands-on class featuring classic New Mexico-style Chile Rellenos. You’ll learn how to work with flame-roasted Hatch green chiles, prepare simple yet flavorful fillings, and fry to golden perfection.
Blender Basics
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
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.
3D Printing Techniques: Making Articulated 3D Prints
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This class will cover the concepts and techniques for creating a basic articulated 3D print. This design allows for your model to have moveable parts, such as the body of a snake or the arm of an octopus. It is recommended to have a base understanding of how to use the 3D design software Tinkercad or to have taken our Intro to 3D Printing with Tinkercad class prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This class will cover the concepts and techniques for creating a basic articulated 3D print. This design allows for your model to have moveable parts, such as the body of a snake or the arm of an octopus. It is recommended to have a base understanding of how to use the 3D design software Tinkercad or to have taken our Intro to 3D Printing with Tinkercad class prior to attending this program.
Cooking Basics: Crepes
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make sweet crepes from scratch! We'll finish with fruit fillings and a variety of toppings.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make sweet crepes from scratch! We'll finish with fruit fillings and a variety of toppings.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Bucket Bag (Class 5)
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 15, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn to sew a round base into a medium-sized bag and finish the incorporated handles.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 15, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn to sew a round base into a medium-sized bag and finish the incorporated 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.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 15, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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
Monday, September 15, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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!
Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the types of jewelry you can make with our makerspace technology. We will review the available equipment, selecting appropriate materials, and setting up design files for success. Using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro Laser, participants will make either a pair of earrings or a necklace to take home. This is an introductory level program; no previous experience with design software or laser cutting (or certification) is required.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the types of jewelry you can make with our makerspace technology. We will review the available equipment, selecting appropriate materials, and setting up design files for success. Using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro Laser, participants will make either a pair of earrings or a necklace to take home. This is an introductory level program; no previous experience with design software or laser cutting (or certification) is required.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Japanese Knot Bag (Class 6)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Learn to Solder
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit.
