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
Intro to Animation
Monday, August 10, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of animation in Blender! In this beginner-friendly class, you'll discover how to bring your 3D creations to life using keyframes, the timeline, and simple motion techniques. We'll cover the fundamentals of animating objects, cameras, and characters. Previous Blender experience is not necessary but encouraged.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Monday, August 10, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 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 sewn 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.
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Vinyl Cutter Project
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 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.
Intermediate Laser Project: Wood Inlay
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Flex your Adobe Illustrator skills in this intermediate laser class. Participants will use more advanced Illustrator skills to create a small wooden inlay project on the laser. Laser Certification is required for this class.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 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.
Intro to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad
Thursday, August 13, 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!
Intro to Laser Cutting
Saturday, August 15, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 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.)
Creating 3D Relief Projects with Carvera CNC
Monday, August 17, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this program we will go over modifying and creating files to be used in making 3D relief projects on the Carvera CNC. It is recommended to have taken either the Intro to Carvera CNC class or the Intro to MakeraCAM class before attending this program.
This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Design an Augmented Reality Project with Delightex and Merge Cube
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 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 a simple augmented reality project specifically for interaction with a Merge Cube. Using Delightex, we will walk through a facilitated project build that you'll be able to share with family and friends.
Adobe Illustrator Project: Paper Rose
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be going over a variety of tools in Adobe Illustrator to make a rose design from scratch that we will then be cutting out of cardstock on our Epilog Fusion Edge. Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Laser Cutter Certification are required.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Friday, August 21, 2026 - 10:00am - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This one-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. There will be a break from 12 to 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
All program registrants must complete the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera Desktop CNC Class before attending this program.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the Carvera CNC independently.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, August 22, 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, August 22, 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.