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
Beginner Cricut: Create a Multi-Colored Project with Vinyl
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, participants will learn how to use Cricut Design Space and a Cricut machine to create and assemble a multi-colored vinyl sticker. All materials will be supplied, and no previous Cricut experience is required.
Next Steps with Arduino
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 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 a few challenging Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available for use in the makerspace. It is recommended that you have taken Introduction to Arduino or have previous experience with an Arduino before this program.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Canvas Tote (Class 2)
Thursday, May 21, 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 how to work with different-weight fabrics and sew a boxed corner. Students will also learn about topstitching, reinforcement stitching, and how to use webbing to make bag handles. Apply these skills and more to make a lined canvas tote bag with coordinating 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 Laser Cutting
Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more informationThis class is for customers looking to become certified for independent use of the Exploration Commons laser cutters. We will cover simple project creation in Adobe Illustrator, the basics of the Epilog Dashboard software, and Epilog laser machine use and safety. 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. Due to the amount of information covered in this class, we strongly encourage registrants who do not have Adobe Illustrator experience to do one of the following prior to attending this class:
- Take an Intro to Adobe Illustrator class (in person at Exploration Commons or on LinkedIn Learning — use Library ID: carroll).
- Take a laser project class at Exploration Commons (one that does not require participants to be laser certified).
- Work through the online portion of the Exploration Commons hybrid laser certification module. (No need to take the quiz; we will do that at the end of class.)
Laser Cutting Refresher
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 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 Laser Certification is required.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Small Zipper Bag (Class 3)
Thursday, May 28, 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 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.
Intermediate Laser Skills: Designing Inlay Projects
Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Build your laser design skills and improve your Adobe Illustrator workflow in this intermediate class. Explore the key factors in cutting inlay designs, learn how to measure kerf, and edit files for accurate results. This class focuses on inlay designs where laser-cut pieces are sized to fit together. Registration requires Laser Certification and basic Adobe Illustrator experience.
Intro to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad
Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 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!
Laser Etching on Fabric
Saturday, May 30, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to use the Fusion Pro Laser to create etched designs on various types of fabric. All materials will be provided. Please cancel if unable to attend so that a waitlisted registrant may attend the program.
3D Design a Pencil Holder with Tinkercad
Monday, June 1, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, come learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a pencil holder to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!