All CCPL locations will be closed for the Easter Holiday on Saturday, April 19. We will reopen for regular hours on Monday, April 21.
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. In addition to CCPL staff, we will be working with outside presenters from various industries, professors from Carroll Community College and McDaniel College, Carroll County Public Schools faculty, and local interns and volunteers. Our community has much to offer and we will require their expertise and support to make Exploration Commons a success.
Upcoming Classes and Programs
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Augmented reality allows us to combine digital elements with real-world objects. Join us to learn how to create and code a simple augmented reality scavenger hunt. Using CoSpaces Edu, we will walk through a facilitated project build you can share with family and friends.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 17, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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 Exploration Commons Laser Certification is required.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 21, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class we will focus on editing photos in Adobe Photoshop to get the best results with our Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser engravers.
Laser Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC Router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This class will discuss using cardstock, cardboard, and fabric with the laser cutters here at Exploration Commons. We will go over how to cut and engrave each material safely and provide helpful tips. Exploration Commons Laser certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This series of sewing classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information, resources, and hands-on experience.
Beginner Sewing Level 2: Intro to Garment Construction introduces the following information and skills:
- Fabric types, terminology, and preparation for sewing
- Interfacing types, uses, and application
- Reading, customizing, and cutting from a commercial pattern
- Constructing and finishing a simple garment
This is a series class; you need to register for the first class and attend all three.
- Class 1: Choosing, Purchasing, and Preparing Fabrics for Garment Sewing
- Class 2: Measuring the Body, Preparing the Pattern and Fabric, and Cutting the Fabric
- Class 3: Sewing Your Slim Cut Lounge Pants
Series Prerequisites and Required Skills:
- Exploration Commons' sewing machine certification
- Can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
- Can sew items together with different seam allowances
- Understand the purpose of back-stitching
- 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, some materials, and a commercial sewing pattern will be provided
- Students will supply the appropriate fabric, elastic, and thread for their garment
- Appropriate amount of prewashed and dried fabric for your size*
- Appropriate width and amount of elastic for your size*
- Matching thread*
*Do not purchase fabric, elastic, or thread before the first class.
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will practice creating digital designs in Adobe Illustrator to be used for the Cricut Maker. In this class, we'll specifically work with heat transfer vinyl and create a small potholder project to put our skills to use!
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 28, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC Router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This series of sewing classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information, resources, and hands-on experience.
Beginner Sewing Level 2: Intro to Garment Construction introduces the following information and skills:
- Fabric types, terminology, and preparation for sewing
- Interfacing types, uses, and application
- Reading, customizing, and cutting from a commercial pattern
- Constructing and finishing a simple garment
This is a series class; you need to register for the first class and attend all three.
- Class 1: Choosing, Purchasing, and Preparing Fabrics for Garment Sewing
- Class 2: Measuring the Body, Preparing the Pattern and Fabric, and Cutting the Fabric
- Class 3: Sewing Your Slim Cut Lounge Pants
Series Prerequisites and Required Skills:
- Exploration Commons' sewing machine certification
- Can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
- Can sew items together with different seam allowances
- Understand the purpose of back-stitching
- 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, some materials, and a commercial sewing pattern will be provided
- Students will supply the appropriate fabric, elastic, and thread for their garment
- Appropriate amount of prewashed and dried fabric for your size*
- Appropriate width and amount of elastic for your size*
- Matching thread*
*Do not purchase fabric, elastic, or thread before the first class.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Check out the in-the-hoop projects you can do on the Bernina 535 Embroidery Machine. In this demo class, learn how you can use the embroidery machine to make bookmarks, gift tags, greeting cards, zipper bags, stuffed toys, photo frames, and more. We will review the different in-the-hoop projects available in our OESD design collection, discuss where to find additional files, and walk through an in-the-hoop project.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn about various fabric stabilizers and how to sew different stitches, including sewing in a straight line. Apply these techniques to make a small fabric basket to catch loose threads.
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:
- basis 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 might benefit most from following the Class 1, 2, and 3 sequence.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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 as we create a custom recipe box label and utilize scanning to bring our handwritten recipes into a digital, engravable format. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 2, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
This will be a two-part project. Part 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 3, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this beginner-friendly class, we will utilize our laser engravers to mark a custom design of your own onto a custom leatherette journal! Color variations of the journals are highly limited and will be given out on a first come, first served basis.
The longer class time is necessary for this program to give ample time for design alterations and customization.
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 5, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Photoshop. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to use traditional and updated techniques and tools for preparing and cutting fabric. You will leave with the confidence to use a rotary cutter and mat as well as traditional cutting tools. This is a beginner-friendly class; no sewing experience is required.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling, design, and 3D printing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a 3D-printed key chain.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
This will be a two-part project. Part 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Book nooks are fantastical small-scale dioramas that people tuck into their bookshelves for added whimsy. In this class, we will use Adobe Illustrator to create files of the nook space itself, the hidden slot for lights, and tiny additions (fences, shelves, etc) to add to the nook. We will then use the laser cutter to cut all of our pieces. You will take these home to assemble, paint, and complete your nook for your own shelves!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Properly fitting and sewing in sleeves is a challenge for beginning sewists. Learn the necessary steps to sew set-in sleeves without puckers. You will practice these skills by inserting sleeves into a 1/2-scale woven bodice sample.
Class Prerequisites and Required Skills
- Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
- thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and troubleshoot tension issues
- sew straight and curved seams while maintaining consistent seam allowance
- know how to read and work with a pattern and cut fabric with care and accuracy
- have a basic understanding of different fabric types and have sewn with a few different types
- have experience sewing a regular zipper
Required Materials
- A sewing machine and materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 3: Intro to Garment Sewing
This set of classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information and resources, along with hands-on experiences.
This series introduces the following information and skills:
- insert a set-in sleeve
- sewing a collar with a lapel
- sewing a trouser fly
- sewing the fitted waistband
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create and engrave a simple wood project on Exploration Commons' Iconic CNC Router. Previous basic computer experience is required. No experience with the CNC Router or design software is needed.
This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn some of the basics of Blender, an open-source 3D modeling software. Participants will walk through the user interface and controls while making a small project.