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
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.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and make our custom chocolates.
Monday, January 26, 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!
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 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.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will discuss both the capabilities of the Cricut machine and the design software available in the Makerspace for creating custom projects. Participants will design a custom vinyl sticker in Adobe Illustrator and then cut it out on the Cricut.
Wednesday, January 28, 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.
Thursday, January 29, 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 gusset into a bag with rounded corners. Practice how to sew and insert a cross-body handle into 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.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling and designing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Autodesk Fusion by diving into the fundamentals and techniques for making a simple object.
Friday, January 30, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to print-and-cut with the Epilog Fusion Pro. We will explore how the Epilog's IRIS™ Camera Registration System works for extremely precise cutting and engraving. We will work in Adobe Illustrator to create a print-and-cut file that can be used with the Camera Registration System. Laser certification is required for all attendees. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator is encouraged.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and make our custom chocolates.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Boost your speed and confidence in Adobe Illustrator with this hands-on class focused on essential tools and time-saving shortcuts. Gain a solid understanding of Illustrator features and keyboard shortcuts to help you create vector designs more efficiently. This class is ideal for those looking to streamline the design process for makerspace projects. Attendees should have a basic understanding of Illustrator and some experience creating independent projects.
Thursday, February 5, 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 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.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Augmented reality allows us to combine digital elements with real-world objects. Join us to learn how to create and code a simple augmented reality scavenger hunt. Using Delightex (formerly Cospaces Edu), we will walk through a facilitated project build you can share with family and friends.
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Monday, February 9, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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. Explore numerous design techniques, tool options, and specialized materials available for custom card creation. Each attendee will design a custom Valentine's Day card to bring home.
Tuesday, February 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 3D design project to be printed on Exploration Commons' 3D printers. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with 3D printing or design software is needed.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
We're taking a twist on everyone's favorite edge-lit signs class! Choose from a selection of Valentine-themed cut-out 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. In this program, you’ll laser engrave Valentine-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - 5:00pm - 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.