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, January 25, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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, January 27, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate. Part two will be held on Thursday, 2/3 at 6 PM.
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 28, 2022 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a custom-designed mug using Adobe Illustrator and a Cricut vinyl cutter. You'll design, cut, and apply the vinyl to your mug using permanent vinyl. All materials will be supplied and no previous Cricut experience is needed. Just bring yourself and your ideas!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 29, 2022 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 31, 2022 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
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’ laser cutters.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 2, 2022 - 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Code with Pepper, CCPL's social humanoid robot! Program Pepper to strike up a conversation, dance, or tell a story 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
Wednesday, February 2, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of creating an augmented reality experience. Using CoSpaces Edu, we will walk through a facilitated project build that you'll be able to share with family and friends.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 3, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate.
Online
Saturday, February 5, 2022 - 9:00am - 10:00am
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
More information
Join us for simple CAD projects that highlight the versatility and ease of use of Fusion 360. We’ll demonstrate everyday computer-aided design skills ranging from modeling simple parts to designing things you can 3D print. Media Production Tools were funded by an Infy Maker Award from Infosys Foundation USA.
View on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 10, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Are you interested in creating your own designs for 3D printing, but not sure where to start? In this beginner level hands-on program, we'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple 3D project. No previous design experience necessary!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 12, 2022 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 11 - 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
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
CNC milling is one of the many bricks in the foundation of modern manufacturing and in this introductory session we’ll explore the fundamentals of the technology and get some hands-on experience with our iConic i2015 CNC router.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
CNC milling is one of the many bricks in the foundation of modern manufacturing and in this introductory session we’ll explore the fundamentals of the technology and get some hands-on experience with our iConic i2015 CNC router.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 - 10:00am - 11:30am
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’ laser cutters.
Exploration Commons
Friday, February 18, 2022 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 13 - 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 required!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 19, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic functionality of Grease Pencil, the 2D animation tool in Blender.