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
Making for Seniors: Engrave a Simple Anodized Aluminum Project
Tuesday, June 9, 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 Adobe Illustrator to create a simple project to be engraved on an anodized aluminum item and watch your project being made on our Fusion Pro Laser Cutter. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with laser cutting or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Prehistoric Projects: Laser-Engraved Dinosaur Puzzles
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Come celebrate Summer Reading with a special prehistoric project: laser-engraved dinosaur puzzles! This is a pairs-making class. It is intended for one child that is 8-12 years old and one accompanying adult. Each adult may only be registered with one child.
Each registration must include:
One child aged 8-12
One adult
Sewing Skills: Interfacing Basics
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to use interfacing to improve the structure and finish of your sewing projects. This beginner-level class will introduce common types of interfacing and explain when and how to use them in both garment and project construction. Students will work with different types of interfacing and leave with samples. The class will also review sewing terminology and construction concepts. Resource handouts will be provided.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Next Steps with Onshape
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling and design. In this class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a claw assembly. It is recommended that you have taken an Introduction to Onshape and 3D Printing class or are familiar with Onshape before taking this class.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Thursday, June 11, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC machine independently.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, June 13, 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, June 13, 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.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 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 Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30amAges: 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.
Next Steps with Adobe Illustrator: Image Tracing
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 4:30pm - 6:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be going over the image trace feature in Adobe Illustrator. We will be looking at a few different images and going over the multiple options of image tracing to get the best result for each image. Previous experience with Adobe Illustrator is recommended but not required.
Intro to MakeraCAM
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class we will go over utilizing MakeraCAM, the base design software that we teach for using our Carvera CNC! So if you are interested in becoming more familiar with the user interface and available tools, this is the class for you!
CNC Certification is NOT required for taking this course.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Bucket Bag (Class 5)
Thursday, June 18, 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 round base into a medium-sized bag and finish the incorporated 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.
Teen Laser Class: Engraved Livestock Brushes
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - 18
Class registration and more information
Getting ready for the summer livestock or horse show season? Join us to customize a wood-handled grooming brush to express your personality! We'll learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator and designing for laser engraving, then watch as your design is engraved onto a brush to take home.
This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Monday, June 22, 2026 - 12:00pm - 2:00pmAges: 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.