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
Engraving Handwriting: Laser Engraved Recipe Cards
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Create a kitchen keepsake by turning a handwritten recipe into an engraved wooden recipe card! We'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator and utilize scanning to bring our handwritten recipes into a digital, engravable format. Participants should bring two handwritten recipes on index cards (maximum of one double-sided card per recipe) and will make two engraved recipe cards during this class. Exploration Commons Laser Certification is encouraged but not required prior to attending this class. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Engraved Leatherette Trays
Saturday, April 11, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this program, attendees will design custom artwork to be engraved on leatherette trays for board games, to hold trinkets, and much more.
Adobe Illustrator Skill Builder: Tools & Shortcuts
Monday, April 13, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 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.
Making for Seniors: Introduction to Podcasting
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a walk-through of our podcasting equipment and software to get you started using our Audio/Video Lab!
Intro to Carvera CNC
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-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. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' Carvera CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-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. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' Carvera CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Small Messenger Bag (Class 7)
Thursday, April 16, 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 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.
Intro to MakeraCAM
Thursday, April 16, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class we will go over MakeraCAM, the base design software for using our Carvera CNC! Become more familiar with the user interface and available tools. CNC Certification is not required for taking this course.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Friday, April 17, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 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.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, April 18, 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, April 18, 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.
3D Printing Techniques: Making Articulated 3D Prints
Monday, April 20, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class 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 basic 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.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 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.