All CCPL locations will be closed for the Christmas Holiday Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, December 25. We will reopen for regular hours on Thursday, December 26.
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
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your holiday sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program.
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 for use, click here to register.
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.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your holiday sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program.
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, click here to register.
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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday gift bag in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn the basics of creating a reversible gift bag with a boxed base and drawstring closure.
Apply these skills and more to create a 9" x 12" reversible drawstring gift bag.
Prerequisites:
- Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
'Tis the season of making! And what better way to celebrate than hopping into an introductory 3D printing and design class where you will model your own 3D printed present box!
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - 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
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a crossover program between our makerspace and teaching kitchen to make a custom laser-engraved charcuterie board. We'll finish our class in the kitchen by designing a full board of cheeses, meats, and other tasteful items, perfect for taking to your NYE party!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - 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 various stitches, including sewing in a straight line. Apply these techniques to make a small fabric basket to catch loose threads.
Class Prerequisites: Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or EC 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, January 2, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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!
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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, January 7, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We're taking a fun winter twist on everyone's favorite edge-lit signs class! Choose from a selection of holiday-themed cut-out designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flare to your room, desk, or workspace. In this program, you’ll laser engrave festive-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get further 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: Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or EC 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, January 9, 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
Thursday, January 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D design and modeling! In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive into the fundamental concepts and practical techniques needed to design for 3D printing.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 11, 2025 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have the makerspace programs sparked your creativity, but you're hesitant to jump into your own independent project? Ready to move beyond step-by-step projects and bring your ideas to life? Over the course of two months, you will design and fabricate a project with guided support from staff.
During the orientation session, we'll discuss project ideas, create goals, and set reasonable expectations for completion. You will work on this project on your own time and have access to up to two one-on-one sessions to review progress, discuss challenges, and get support for moving forward.
This session specifically focuses on projects using vinyl cutters, laser cutters, CNC machines, or 3D printers. Participants are responsible for providing or purchasing any materials needed for their project.
Special Note: All participants using the laser cutters or Iconic CNC Machine for their projects must be certified before this program.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 13, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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!
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 13, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll create a simple 3D design project to be printed on Exploration Commons' 3D printers. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with 3D printing or design software is needed.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 16, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Expand your sewing skills by adding a zipper to a small storage bag. You'll insert a zipper into a small cotton bag with lining and learn hand-sewing techniques.
Class Prerequisites: Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or EC 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, January 16, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a card holder for those fun family card games! A folding card holder is great for small hands, hands that are challenged to hold small things or anyone who loves card games. Great for practicing sewing skills. Participants must be Exploration Commons Sewing Machine Certified prior to taking this class.
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 17, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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 and fun and offers a way to get started in electronics. Join us for a workshop where we'll explore various beginner Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available for use in the makerspace.