To complete a repair in our data center, all computer and web services will be offline beginning at 9 PM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. We expect services to be restored by 11 PM.
All CCPL locations will be closed for the Juneteenth Holiday on Thursday, June 19. We will reopen for regular hours on Friday, June 20.
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
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on creating designs and navigating unique settings on pre-painted paper canvases.
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, June 16, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D design and modeling! In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive further into the sketch tools and their functions.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, June 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 sturdy bucket bag with a round base. Sew and finish the bag with an incorporated shoulder strap.
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
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 4:30pm - 6:00pm
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 two hands-on projects where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit the first day and then a random dice roller circuit the second day.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Are you looking to get started in 3D printing? This class will review the basics of the process, software, and machinery we have available in our makerspace.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
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 two hands-on projects where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit the first day and then a random dice roller circuit the second day.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, June 21, 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 for use, please register for the other version of this program.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 14 - 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
Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
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, June 23, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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
Monday, June 23, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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, June 24, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
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
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
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
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the types of jewelry you can make with our makerspace technology. We will review the available equipment, selecting appropriate materials, and setting up design files for success. Using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro laser, participants will make either a pair of earrings or a necklace to take home. This is an introductory level program; no previous experience with design software or laser cutting (or certification) is required.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, June 26, 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
Friday, June 27, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Step up your business card game with a custom engraved leatherette business card holder. We'll learn to use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design with text and graphics and then watch as your design is engraved using one of our Epilog lasers. Previous laser design experience is helpful, but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, June 28, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Color your world with a beautiful Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) flying geese bookmark. We will cover the basics and best practices of the FPP technique. This class is recommended for confident beginners who have experience using a sewing machine and sewing tools. Materials will be provided, but if you'd like a special color scheme or motif, please bring various 2.5" quilting cotton squares.
Attendees must be certified on the use of Exploration Commons sewing machines to participate.
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 30, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn some of the basics of Blender, an open-source 3D modeling software. Participants will walk through the user interface and controls while making a small project.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 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. Sew modified boxy corners into a fully lined, curved project bag. Learn to sew and finish a bag with two handles are incorporated into the design of 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 3, 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
Monday, July 7, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make molds for soaps, candles, chocolate, and more! This class covers the basics of vacuum forming, including machine operation, material selection, and design techniques to bring your ideas to life.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 8, 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 design to be engraved on a mini paper notebook cover 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, July 8, 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, July 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 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!