COVID-19 Test Kit Update: Test kits are currently available at CCPL Headquarters, Eldersburg, Exploration Commons, Finksburg, Mount Airy, North Carroll, Taneytown and Westminster. Supplies are limited so please check back for updates.
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
Thursday, July 7, 2022 - 10:30am - 1:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects as well as 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 electronic dice circuit.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 7, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this two-day workshop, participants will learn the basics of Fusion 360 and how to use it to design for laser cutting. On day one, learn the basics of Fusion 360 and design a laser-cuttable project. On day two, finish the design and cut it on the Fusion Pro Laser cutter. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Exploration Commons
Friday, July 8, 2022 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures. Customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ Fusion Pro 48 laser.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, July 9, 2022 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have you ever wondered how to get started with laser cutting or 3D printing? Or, are you an avid maker who wants to share their ideas and receive help and feedback? This group is for you! Come learn, create, and play in a collaborative environment meant for everyone. All are welcome and no experience is necessary.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 11, 2022 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
In this four-session program, participants will explore visual scripting and basic coding in Unity Game Design Engine. On the first day, participants will be introduced to basic coding terminology through an interactive activity. Sessions two through four will be an instructor-led game build of Clive the Cat's Visual Crypting in Unity.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
In this four-session program, participants will explore visual scripting and basic coding in Unity Game Design Engine. On the first day, participants will be introduced to basic coding terminology through an interactive activity. Sessions two through four will be an instructor-led game build of Clive the Cat's Visual Crypting in Unity.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
In this four-session program, participants will explore visual scripting and basic coding in Unity Game Design Engine. On the first day, participants will be introduced to basic coding terminology through an interactive activity. Sessions two through four will be an instructor-led game build of Clive the Cat's Visual Crypting in Unity.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 14, 2022 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
In this four-session program, participants will explore visual scripting and basic coding in Unity Game Design Engine. On the first day, participants will be introduced to basic coding terminology through an interactive activity. Sessions two through four will be an instructor-led game build of Clive the Cat's Visual Crypting in Unity.
Online
Monday, July 18, 2022 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 12 - 18
Registration and more information
Come learn basic building methods with cardboard! Each participant will be challenged to build their original creature using at least two of the building methods.
Media Production Tools were funded by an Infy Maker Award from Infosys Foundation USA.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 - 12:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the necessary basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This is a beginner-level class; you will leave feeling confident about the next steps to take towards sewing your own projects.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 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
Saturday, July 23, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures. Customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ Fusion Pro 48 laser.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, July 23, 2022 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to work with assemblies (multi-part models) in Inventor®.
Online
Monday, July 25, 2022 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
More information
Learn tips and tricks with using the image trace tool on your graphics and photos in Adobe Illustrator.
View on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 25, 2022 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Exploration Commons Manager Candace Birger is an award-winning cosplayer who goes by the name Plexi Cosplay. In this chat, she'll delve into cosplay, the makerspace, and costume fabrication. During the presentation, she will conduct an open-forum panel while demonstrating foam armor crafting.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 28, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to the basics of design, 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. Customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ CNC machine.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training prior to attending the first session of this program.
Exploration Commons
Friday, July 29, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to the basics of design, 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. Customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ CNC machine.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training prior to attending the first session of this program.
Online
Saturday, July 30, 2022 - 9:00am - 10:00am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
More information
This three-part series explores the process of developing a wireless weather station using common maker electronics, like Raspberry Pi and Arduino, and software platforms Home Assistant and ESPHome. We’ll experiment with a range of sensors to capture data about indoor and outdoor environmental conditions as well as display those data graphically. Part one will focus on the overall system design, component selection, and feature planning. In part two, we’ll construct the core systems and begin testing, work out any bugs, and get the first set of sensors recording. Part three will cover data visualization in HomeAssistant and the development of the user interface.
View on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
Media Production Tools were funded by an Infy Maker Award from Infosys Foundation USA.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 1, 2022 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to take simple 2D logos and transform them into cool 3D files in Blender.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 1, 2022 - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Interested in learning Python but don't know where to start? Join us for an introductory look at the Python programming language, resources for learning, and a general open discussion about programming.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the versatile serger/overlock sewing machine and how to use it with your sewing projects. We will review the parts of the serger, proper threading, and how and when to use different stitch settings. Leave inspired with new ways to use this machine in your sewing projects.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures. Customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ Fusion Pro 48 laser.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this two-day workshop, participants will learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator and how to use it with the laser cutter. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Day 1: Learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator.
Day 2: Design a laser-cuttable project and cut it on the Fusion Pro Laser Cutter.