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, 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 12, 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
Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 14, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you have a video project you want to edit together but are unsure where to start? This is the class for you! Unlike our other classes, which just cover the introduction to video editing software, this class is specifically oriented to giving you one-on-one assistance.
During this orientation session, we'll review your current project idea and the results you're looking to achieve. 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.
Participants are responsible for bringing their video footage to be looked over.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 16, 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.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
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, August 16, 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.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
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
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:30pm
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. It is recommended that you bring any photos you would like to engrave with you on a flash drive to help save design time.
The longer class time is necessary for this program due to the long print times on this material. Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 18, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
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
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Boost your speed and confidence in Adobe Illustrator with this hands-on class focused on essential tools and time-saving shortcuts. Gain a solid understanding of Illustrator features and keyboard shortcuts to help you create vector designs more efficiently. This class is ideal for those looking to streamline the design process for makerspace projects. Attendees should have a basic understanding of Illustrator and some experience creating independent projects.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 19, 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 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 will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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
Thursday, August 21, 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 to insert a zipper into a small cotton bag with a lining and learn hand-sewing techniques.
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
Friday, August 22, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of web design by exploring both HTML and CSS.
Day 1 focuses on HTML, covering essential elements like headings, paragraphs, links, images, and forms to build the basic structure of a web page.
Day 2 introduces CSS, where participants will learn how to style their pages using colors, fonts, layouts, and responsive design techniques. By the end of the program, attendees will have created a simple, styled web page—an excellent starting point for their web development journey!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 26, 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, August 28, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
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
Thursday, August 28, 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? Then 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
Friday, August 29, 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 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 will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 29, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of web design by exploring both HTML and CSS.
Day 1 focuses on HTML, covering essential elements like headings, paragraphs, links, images, and forms to build the basic structure of a web page.
Day 2 introduces CSS, where participants will learn how to style their pages using colors, fonts, layouts, and responsive design techniques. By the end of the program, attendees will have created a simple, styled web page—an excellent starting point for their web development journey!
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 3, 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. Practice adding a zipper to a sturdy, boxy pouch known as a Dopp bag. You will learn about adding a zipper to fully lined bags, using edge stitching, and how to box corners.
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:
- basic 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, September 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Photoshop. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this program, you’ll laser engrave fall-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand. Choose from a selection of fall-themed cutout designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flair to your room, desk, or workspace.