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, July 27, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create and cut out a wood puzzle ball 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.
Offsite
Monday, July 29, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
This program is for anyone who wants to learn more about building sets in a safe and correct manner. Join us for this three-day workshop, where you will learn stagecraft standards at the Carroll Arts Center, drafting at Exploration Commons, and set construction at Carroll Community College.
Each class will take place at a different location to ensure everyone learns all that Carroll County can offer your theatre troupe.
Each student is permitted to bring along 1 additional person to each workshop. If you choose to do this, they will need to be the same person each day, and there will be an additional fee. You and your partner will need to share all the supplies and computers.
Register here: https://carrollcountyartscouncil.coursestorm.com/course/stagecraft-workshop
Price: The cost is $75 for one person or $85 for two people.
Class Schedule
Class 1: Monday, July 29 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Carroll County Arts Council
Instructor: Stephen Strosnider
Class 2: Tuesday, July 30 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Exploration Commons at 50 East
Instructor: Polly O'Hair
Class 3: Wednesday, July 31 from 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Location: Carroll Community College
Instructor: Sophie Barden
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
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, July 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to insert zippers like a pro! This technique-based workshop will cover three types of zipper installations: regular, lapped, and invisible.
Class 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
- understand the purpose of back-stitching
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
This program is for anyone who wants to learn more about building sets in a safe and correct manner. Join us for this three-day workshop, where you will learn stagecraft standards at the Carroll Arts Center, drafting at Exploration Commons, and set construction at Carroll Community College.
Each class will take place at a different location to ensure everyone learns all that Carroll County can offer your theatre troupe.
Each student is permitted to bring along 1 additional person to each workshop. If you choose to do this, they will need to be the same person each day, and there will be an additional fee. You and your partner will need to share all the supplies and computers.
Register here: https://carrollcountyartscouncil.coursestorm.com/course/stagecraft-workshop
Price: The cost is $75 for one person or $85 for two people.
Class Schedule
Class 1: Monday, July 29 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Carroll County Arts Council
Instructor: Stephen Strosnider
Class 2: Tuesday, July 30 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Exploration Commons at 50 East
Instructor: Polly O'Hair
Class 3: Wednesday, July 31 from 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Location: Carroll Community College
Instructor: Sophie Barden
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of reverse engineering! Learn how to reconstruct and modify existing parts using basic measuring tools and Onshape, a powerful cloud-based 3D modeling software.
Offsite
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
This program is for anyone who wants to learn more about building sets in a safe and correct manner. Join us for this three-day workshop, where you will learn stagecraft standards at the Carroll Arts Center, drafting at Exploration Commons, and set construction at Carroll Community College.
Each class will take place at a different location to ensure everyone learns all that Carroll County can offer your theatre troupe.
Each student is permitted to bring along 1 additional person to each workshop. If you choose to do this, they will need to be the same person each day, and there will be an additional fee. You and your partner will need to share all the supplies and computers.
Register here: https://carrollcountyartscouncil.coursestorm.com/course/stagecraft-workshop
Price: The cost is $75 for one person or $85 for two people.
Class Schedule
Class 1: Monday, July 29 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Carroll County Arts Council
Instructor: Stephen Strosnider
Class 2: Tuesday, July 30 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Exploration Commons at 50 East
Instructor: Polly O'Hair
Class 3: Wednesday, July 31 from 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Location: Carroll Community College
Instructor: Sophie Barden
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 1, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - 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
- have completed Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC 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
Thursday, August 1, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you want to get into podcasting but don't know where to start? This is the class for you! We will cover the basics of the different recording software we offer and introduce the equipment we provide in the Audio/Video Lab.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will discuss precision techniques to improve your laser project outcomes. Topics will include centering-point alignment, printed registration marks, using jigs or templates, and the importance of maintaining a settings notebook. Exploration Commons Laser certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ready to take your 3D design skills to the next level? In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will explore the tools available for creating 3D geometry!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us in this project-based class, which builds on basic and intermediate design tools and techniques. By manipulating irregular shapes and importing others, we will create a mini pie-shaped decoration. Previous Tinkercad experience is strongly recommended.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Digital design using tools such as Fusion 360 is a fundamental skill that unlocks the full potential of maker technologies such as 3D printing and many others, which depend on a digital file to define the shape and size of a real-world object to be made. This introductory seminar will explore the Fusion 360 design software, examine resources for continued learning, and provide hands-on experience. Fusion 360 is professional-level software, and participants should be proficient in using a Windows PC.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
3D scanning is a digital design process that enables the creation of detailed and accurate models of real-world objects. Join us for an introductory look into this technology, which is used extensively in engineering, architecture, historic preservation, and video game development. We will demonstrate the use of our handheld Artec Leo 3D Scanner and highlight some recent projects that have been created with it.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 12, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - 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 wood laser cutter project 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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This skill-building class focuses on the basics of electronics and the use of the Arduino programming environment to create a wide array of simple circuits that teach not only the fundamentals but also stand as examples for your own future projects. We'll get hands-on with assembling circuit elements such as resistors, diodes, sensors, and microcontrollers and discuss the theory and programming involved in making it all work.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 17, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
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
Monday, August 19, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a comprehensive two-session Adobe Illustrator program where we further explore the software's capabilities and build on our existing knowledge. Because this class explores more advanced functionality, it is strongly recommended that participants take our Intro to Adobe Illustrator class or complete the following prerequisite videos before the class.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a comprehensive two-session Adobe Illustrator program where we further explore the software's capabilities and build on our existing knowledge. Because this class explores more advanced functionality, it is strongly recommended that participants take our Intro to Adobe Illustrator class or complete the following prerequisite videos before the class.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0;text-align:left">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, August 21, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ready to take your 3D design skills to the next level? In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will explore how to leverage reference geometry for creating complex designs.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 22, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class you will learn about different weight knit fabrics used for garment sewing and learn how to handle and sew seams on different weight knit fabric samples. Learn how to apply a self neckband and sew a cover stitch hem on a knit fabric sample
Class Prerequisites and Required Skills
- have completed Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC 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 and weights
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 with knits
- sewing a trouser fly
- sewing the fitted waistband
NOTE: This class was changed from the originally published content.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 22, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Code with Pepper, CCPL's social humanoid robot! Program Pepper to strike up a conversation using the drag-and-drop interface, Choregraphe. No previous coding experience is required. Pepper was funded by a Library Services and Technology Act Grant from the Maryland State Library and Institute of Museum and Library Services.