The Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons will be closed on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 to perform building maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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, July 15, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this two-day class, participants will learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and a Cricut machine to create and assemble a two-colored vinyl sticker. All materials will be supplied; no previous Cricut experience is required.
- Day One: Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator to create a multicolor design.
- Day Two: Learn to cut and assemble designs on the Cricut Maker and Explore.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 15, 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
Thursday, July 17, 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 to sew a gusset into a bag with rounded corners. Practice how to sew and insert a cross-body handle into the bag.
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 will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 17, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to use the shape builder tool and live paint feature in Adobe Illustrator to create digital optical illusion designs for laser engraving. Previous Adobe Illustrator experience is strongly recommended. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Friday, July 18, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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
Saturday, July 19, 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. 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.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, July 19, 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. 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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 21, 2025 - 5:30pm - 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
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
Wednesday, July 23, 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 various 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, July 24, 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 how to sew a channel into a full-lined reversible bag and insert a drawstring that will close the bag. Learn to apply a coordinate bias binding to finish one side of the bag to create two different looks for your reversible bag.
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 will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, July 26, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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
Monday, July 28, 2025 - 11:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of quilting techniques, like String, Strip, and Crazy Quilting, in foundation piecing to create unique fabrics to use in your projects. Foundation fabrics will be provided along with scrap pieces.
Students are invited to bring their own scrap fabrics as well.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided. Attendees may bring some scrap fabrics to class too.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
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 cancelled.
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
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Explore the exciting world of resin 3D printing! This method is perfect for smaller models and high-detail designs. Participants will learn the difference between resin and filament printing, as well as key design considerations and best practices.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will review the basics of what to look out for in 3D models that you would like to have 3D printed. We will review several models using the 3D modeling software Tinkercad and the 3D printer software PrusaSlicer.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
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
Friday, August 1, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Makers! We will work on sewing machines to create a workshop apron with pouches and loops designed for makers. Sewing certification required to attend.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 4, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of music creation with an intro to FL Studio and a look into a few of the unique features of our own Roland FP-90X keyboard.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Attendees will learn how to take a physical sewing pattern and digitize it for various uses.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 5, 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, August 6, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to print-and-cut with the Epilog Fusion Pro. We will explore how the Epilog's IRIS™ Camera Registration System works to for extremely precise cutting and engraving. We will work in Adobe Illustrator to create a print-and-cut file that can be used with the Camera Registration System. Laser certification is required for all attendees, and familiarly with Adobe Illustrator is encouraged.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 7, 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
Thursday, August 7, 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 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 will benefit most taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 9, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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 a few challenging Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available for use in the makerspace. It is recommended that you have taken Introduction to Arduino or have previous experience with an Arduino before this program.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ready to take your 3D design skills to the next level? In this project-based session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive further into fundamental 3D modeling techniques for creating functional designs.
Previous Onshape experience is strongly recommended.