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
Creating Spiral Fidgets on Fusion 360
Monday, July 20, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Fusion 360 is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating basic to advanced 3D models. In this class we will utilize the various tools within Fusion 360 to create a spiral fidget to demonstrate the capabilities of this software and help improve your design skills.
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 12:30pm - 1:15pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.
Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.
If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:15pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.
Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.
If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.sions are offered to make scheduling easier for some participants.
Advanced Sewing Demo: How to Make a Memory Quilt
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the steps to make your very own memory quilt using old shirts and other recycled textiles! This is a demo class, so bring a notebook to take notes while we demo the steps in real time.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Wednesday, July 22, 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.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Saturday, July 25, 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.
Teen Maker Camp: Morning Session
Monday, July 27, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Afternoon Session
Monday, July 27, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Morning Session
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Afternoon Session
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Morning Session
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Afternoon Session
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Sewing Skills: Using Templates
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how templates can increase sewing speed and accuracy. In this class, we will make a 12" x 18" reversible placemat with mitered corners. This class is a Level 1 skills class, you must meet the prerequisites below to register.
Prerequisites and Required Skills:
- Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC Sewing Machine Certification
- can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
- can sew items together with different seam allowances
- have previously sewn items equivalent to the projects in the Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes: small fabric container, lined canvas tote with webbing handles, lined pouch with zipper
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Teen Maker Camp: Morning Session
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Afternoon Session
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.