All CCPL locations will be closed Wednesday, December 31 through Thursday, January 1 for the New Year's Day Holiday. We will reopen for regular hours on Friday, January 2.
The Makerspace
A Makerspace is a community center where tools are provided to design, engineer, fabricate and learn. All skill levels are welcome and it offers a safe do it yourself environment where failure is just another step in the learning process. Learning may be self-directed or instructor led, and Exploration Commons will provide the staff and guest instructors to assist with all learning styles.
Who may use the Makerspace
The Makerspace is for ages 8 – Adult. Children ages 8 – 11 may work with an equipment certified adult in the use of some machines in the space, but may not operate themselves. Children ages 12 – 15 may operate machinery with the assistance of an equipment certified adult. Persons aged 16 and older may operate any of the available equipment. An Exploration Commons/Library card is required to use makerspace equipment and all users must be certified to use select equipment.
Programs held in the Makerspace will be led by an instructor and may also have age restrictions depending on the equipment used or content of the program. An Exploration Commons/Library card is not required to attend programs.
Will there be a cost to use the Makerspace?
The use of the space is free. However, there will be a cost for some materials if required (filament, wood, acrylic, etc). There will also be programs where we need to charge to recoup expenses.
Hours and Staffing
The entire space will be open and staffed Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 8 PM, Friday - Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM.
Upcoming Classes and Programs
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 27, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 29, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be engraving a tumbler 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class 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
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of web design by exploring HTML.
We will focus on HTML, covering essential elements like headings, paragraphs, links, images, and forms to build the basic structure of a web page.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Put your Cricut skills into practice or learn the basics of design with this beginner-friendly class. Participants will explore tools in Cricut Design Space and then design a custom vinyl sticker in Adobe Illustrator to apply to a ceramic soup bowl. It's cold out! Come learn new skills and make a custom bowl for your favorite comfort soup.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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
Thursday, January 8, 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 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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 8, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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, January 10, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 12, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
What's a 3D print, and how do you make it? In this class, we'll go over everything you need to know to get started with 3D printing. From materials to software to finding files online, this class will teach you the very basics.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 13, 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 use Cricut Design Space to create a simple project to be cut out on one of EC's vinyl cutters. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with design software or vinyl cutting is needed. Participants are required to set up their own free Cricut Design Space account prior to attending.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will discuss using generative AI to create images for use in the Makerspace. Topics will include what generative AI is and how it works, common pitfalls and issues with AI images, and the potential for AI use in the Makerspace. There will also be a demonstration and practice session creating an image for machine cutting and engraving in the Makerspace.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 15, 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. 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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 16, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 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.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this two-part class, we will first be engraving BBQ spatulas with a custom design and then be making BBQ seasoning for your next cookout.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this two-part class, we will first be engraving BBQ spatulas with a custom design and then be making BBQ seasoning for your next cookout.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 22, 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 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.