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
Friday, February 21, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Finksburg Branch of CCPL needs our help! Their gardens are overfilled with many different types of plants, and our task is to create engraved metal plate tags to identify them. Put your laser skills to use in this Making for Good class, where all items will be used so the community can enjoy learning more about the Finksburg Branch Garden. All attendees must be laser-certified to participate.
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 24, 2025 - 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
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, participants will learn how to use Cricut Design Space and a Cricut machine to create and assemble a multi-colored vinyl sticker. All materials will be supplied, and no previous Cricut experience is required.
The project for this program will involve creating a name or word sticker with multiple colors.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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 Laser Certification is required.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
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
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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, March 4, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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, March 5, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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 find small things challenging to hold, or anyone who loves card games. This project is great for practicing sewing skills. Participants must be Exploration Commons sewing machine certified prior to taking this class.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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, 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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
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
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This program is for those completing the final step of our online embroidery machine certification training. You must complete the online training and pass the quiz before registering. Registrations from individuals who have not completed the online training will be canceled.
Here is a link to our certification page where you can take the online training for the embroidery machine:
https://explorationcommons.carr.org/makerspace/equipment-trainings.asp
If the class is full or doesn't meet your schedule, you may still schedule your in-person practical session via the form on our equipment training page. These sessions are offered to make scheduling easier for some participants.
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 10, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Are you interested in designing props for theatre? Join this two-day program, where you'll combine 3D printing and LEDs to create an interactive, illuminated prop!
- Day One: Plan and design your prop using 3D modeling and 3D printing techniques.
- Day Two: Integrate electronics and LEDs to bring your prop to life.
This hands-on program is perfect for anyone curious about merging technology and creativity in theatre.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 11, 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 use Adobe Illustrator to 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
Tuesday, March 11, 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 keychain.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
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 various 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
Friday, March 14, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
See what's behind the silver screen in this introduction to Adobe's high-end video editing software, Premiere Pro! We will cover everything from basic editing tips and tricks to some of the cool tucked-away features in the program. So, if you have ever wanted to start getting into video editing, this is the class for you!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 15, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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, March 15, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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 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, March 17, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to create a Hemingway Pouch, a zippered pouch with a unique diagonal zipper. Participants will learn how to create a quilted panel and transform it into a zippered pouch.
Class Prerequisite: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - 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: 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
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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. This class is appropriate for individuals who have made their own projects on the laser.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 20, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
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
Thursday, March 20, 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.