All CCPL locations will be closing at 3 PM on Wednesday, November 27 (Passport services will close at 1 PM) and we will remain closed through Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will reopen for regular hours on Saturday, November 30.
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, November 21, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Start your Unity and C# journey with Unity's Create with Code. This class will begin with a review of the course. Then, you will dive into Unit 1 and create a driving simulator by importing assets, simulating gravity, mapping player controls, and more.
While this class only covers Unit 1, participants will be shown how to continue the course independently.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 23, 2024 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Color mapping allows you to specify laser settings based on designated colors within your laser cutting design. Learn the basics of color mapping while creating a simple geometric wood barn quilt design. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 25, 2024 - 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
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how templates can increase sewing speed and accuracy. In this class, we will make a 12" x 18" reversible placemat with mitered corners.
Series Prerequisites and Required Skills:
- Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification
- can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
- can sew items together with different seam allowances
- 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 will be provided
- Students will supply the appropriate fabric, elastic, and thread for their garment
- Fabric 45" wide piece of 100% cotton lightweight home decor fabric, pre-washed and dried
- 1/2 yard of main fabric
- 3/4 yard of contrasting fabric for the back and border
- Matching thread
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 30, 2024 - 1:00pm - 4:45pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen-makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, preparing all the components for a delicious gingerbread cream pie. While our ingredients cool, we'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen and assemble the pies to take home!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday stocking in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn about:
- sewing curves
- trimming and notching to ensure a smooth outer surface
- how to incorporate a hanging tab
Apply these skills and more to create a 12" x 18" reversible stocking with a mock cuffed top and hanging tag. Instructions for personalizing your stocking will be included.
Prerequisites:
- Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this intermediate-level laser design class, we will demonstrate and teach users how to design their custom-cut puzzles using different tools in Adobe Illustrator and Epilog's laser cutting software.
Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday stocking in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn about:
- sewing curves
- trimming and notching to ensure a smooth outer surface
- how to incorporate a hanging tab
Apply these skills and more to create a 12" x 18" reversible stocking with a mock cuffed top and hanging tag. Instructions for personalizing your stocking will be included.
Prerequisites:
- Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple wood ornament with personalized text on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for the laser, and then you'll watch your ornament being made. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:30pm
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, December 9, 2024 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
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.
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
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 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 wood gift tag 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, December 10, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Unreal Engine is a collection of tools for game development, content creation, and real-time simulation. In this program, you'll explore the basics of Unreal Engine through an interactive hands-on experience.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 14, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Join us for our third annual Maker Expo. Customers and staff will showcase and sell handcrafted items in our Large Meeting Room from 10 AM - 1 PM. We will also be collecting spices for our Spice Drive and selling holiday treats from the teaching kitchen. Be sure to bring cash for any vendors who are selling without a digital way to accept payments!
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 16, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool as we create a design and engrave it onto our coated metal wine tumblers. These wine tumblers are light blue with a lid. Must be laser-certified for this class!