Currently Registering Programs

Creative Clips
Eldersburg Branch
Monday, May 20, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Decorate and customize binder clips with personality! These clips will make great holiday gifts, place card holders, pseudo-chip clips, photo/art holders, and more! All materials will be provided.

Birds of Maryland: From Field to Forest and Ground Floor to Treetops
Eldersburg Branch
Monday, May 20, 2024 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Enjoy lifelong birder Martin Brazeau's entertaining and informative high-definition film showing the ecology of Maryland birds, such as scarlet tanagers, orioles, and warblers. He will share how birds change with each habitat and discuss unique bird behaviors. You will also view a short film showing what you can do to protect birds. Marty will humorously describe the rewards and challenges of filming birds that don't seem to want to pose for him! There will be a question-and-answer period after the presentation.

Gentle Yoga
Eldersburg Branch
Thursday, May 23, 2024 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This gentle yoga class allows students of various abilities and physical conditions to develop their yoga practice comfortably. Yoga has many appealing aspects, including increased flexibility, relaxation, strength, improved balance, stress, and pain relief. No experience is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing; bring a mat and a blanket.

Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Cork Laser Engraving Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 14, 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 laser engraved cork project 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.

Taco Tuesday: Plant-Based Taco Night
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Turn your Taco Tuesday into a plant-based feast! In this hands-on class, we'll make Vegan Jackfruit Tacos, Guacamole, and Jicama Salad.  

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops. Easy, quick, and delicious!

3D Design Skills: Sketching
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 5:00pm - 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.

3D Printed Calendars
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D design! Explore some fundamental 3D modeling techniques while designing a desktop calendar to be 3D printed!

Focaccia Bread Art
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.

Kids Intro to Basic Sewing Skills
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 10 - 16
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 toward sewing your projects.

The Biggest Ideas in the Universe with Sean Carroll
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Presented by A Likely Story Bookstore and Carroll County Public Library.

Sean Carroll is creating a profoundly new approach to sharing physics with a broad audience, one that goes beyond analogies to show how physicists really think. He cuts to the bare mathematical essence of our most profound theories, explaining every step in a uniquely accessible way. In his latest book, Quanta and Fields, Sean Carroll explains measurement and entanglement before explaining how the world is really made of fields. You will finally understand why matter is solid, why there is antimatter, where the sizes of atoms come from, and why the predictions of quantum field theory are so spectacularly successful. Books will be available for purchase from A Likely Story Bookstore. A book signing will follow the talk. 

Sean Carroll is Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, and Fractal Faculty at the Santa Fe Institute. He is host of the Mindscape podcast, and author of From Eternity to Here, The Particle at the End of the Universe, The Big Picture, and Something Deeply Hidden. He has been awarded prizes and fellowships by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the American Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of London, and many others.

Inclusive Cooks: Black Bean Quesadilla
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 17, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with disabilities and people without, we will prepare a simple Black Bean Quesadilla recipe. 

Kids Baking Class: Hamburger Cupcakes
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Participants will make "hamburger" cupcakes and learn basic baking skills. 

Kids Baking Class: Hamburger Cupcakes
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Participants will make "hamburger" cupcakes and learn basic baking skills. 

Intro to 3D Scanning
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 20, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
3D scanning is a digital design process that enables the creation of detailed and accurate models of real-world objects. Join us for an introductory look into this technology used extensively in engineering, architecture, historic preservation, and video game development. We will demonstrate the use of our handheld Artec Leo 3D Scanner and highlight some recent projects that have been created with it.

Homemade Strawberry Toaster Pastry
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 20, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 10 - 18
Registration and more information
Designed for kids and teens, this class will use pastry dough, fruit filling, and royal icing to make our own scratch toaster pastries!

To Be Read: Jeff Shaara
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 20, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
From the bestselling author Jeff Shaara, comes the story of rising conflict between the super-powers that gripped the world, a global war that almost happened: The Cuban Missile Crisis. Extensively researched and vividly imagined, The Shadow of War brings to life the many threads that lead to the building crisis between the Soviet Union and the United States in 1962. 

Jeff will be in conversation with Steve Bowersox. Presented by A Likely Story Bookstore, Historical Society of Carroll County, and Carroll County Public Library. Books will be available for purchase and signing. 

About the Author

Jeff Shaara is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of seventeen novels, including Rise to Rebellion and The Rising Tide, as well as Gods and Generals and The Last Full Measure - two novels that complete his father's Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, The Killer Angels. Shaara was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

 

Measuring the Body for Garment Construction and Fashion Design
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Students will learn to sequentially measure and record body measurements to determine sizing for commercial pattern use and/or plotting for pattern drafting. Come with a friend and measure each other. All materials provided.

This workshop is the prerequisite for the Drafting a Bodice Block Pattern class.

Creative Crudité
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to make a beautiful crudité platter with delicious dips. 

Practical Fusion 360
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Digital design using tools such as Fusion 360 is a fundamental skill that unlocks the full potential of maker technologies such as 3D printing and many others that depend on a digital file to define the shape and size of a real-world object to be made. This introductory seminar will explore the Fusion 360 design software, examine resources for continued learning, and get hands-on experience. Fusion 360 is professional-level software, and participants should be proficient in using a Windows PC.

Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 23, 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. 

Let's Start a Podcast!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 23, 2024 - 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? This is the class for you! We will cover the basics of the different recording software we offer, along with an introduction to the equipment we provide in the Audio/Video Lab. 

Quilt Inspired Tea Sandwiches
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 24, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to make quilt-inspired tea sandwiches as part of Quilting Bees and Afternoon Teas. We'll make several different recipes featuring tips, tricks, and presentation ideas for lovely tea sandwiches to enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed tea. Registration opens May 10^th at 9 AM. Limited to 20 attendees, the cost is $10 per person.

In addition to this program, Carroll County Farm Museum's Laura Rogers will discuss their newest quilt exhibit and showcase quilts from the Museum's collection from 10-11 AM or 1-2 PM in the large meeting room. To learn more about the Carroll County Farm Museum and their quilts, visit https://carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org/. 

Presented by the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East in conjunction with the Carroll County Farm Museum. 

 

Tea Tasting & Talk
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 24, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a tea talk and tasting as part of Quilting Bees and Afternoon Teas. Learn to steep the perfect pot of tea and enjoy an educational talk on tea types, and the role teas have played in history. Registration opens May 10 at 9 AM. Limited to 20 attendees. There is no cost for this program.

In addition to this program, Carroll County Farm Museum's Laura Rogers will discuss their newest quilt exhibit and showcase quilts from the Museum's collection from 10-11 AM or 1-2 PM in the large meeting room. To learn more about the Carroll County Farm Museum and their quilts, visit https://carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org/. 

Presented by the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East in conjunction with the Carroll County Farm Museum. 

Adobe Illustrator: Beyond the Basics
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.

• Get to Know Illustrator
• Create and Edit Shapes
• Transform and Edit Artwork

Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 25, 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 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.

Sewing Skills: Fabric Cutting
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to use traditional and updated techniques and tools for preparing and cutting fabric. You will leave with the confidence to use a rotary cutter and mat as well as traditional cutting tools. This is a beginner-friendly class; no sewing experience is required.

ServSafe® Food Handler Course
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The ServSafe^® Food Handler course taught by a Certified ServSafe^® Instructor provides basic food safety knowledge. This two-hour class covers the following five key areas: Basic Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Cross Contamination and Allergens, Time and Temperature, and Cleaning and Sanitizing. At the end of the class, participants will receive a certificate after completing a 40-question assessment.
_{©2018 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (National Restaurant Association). All rights reserved. ServSafe is a trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. National Restaurant Association® and the arc design are trademarks of the National Restaurant Association.}

Practical Fusion 360
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Digital design using tools such as Fusion 360 is a fundamental skill that unlocks the full potential of maker technologies such as 3D printing and many others that depend on a digital file to define the shape and size of a real-world object to be made. This introductory seminar will explore the Fusion 360 design software, examine resources for continued learning, and get hands-on experience. Fusion 360 is professional-level software, and participants should be proficient in using a Windows PC.

Third Thursday: Libraries Are for Everyone
Finksburg Branch
Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The library is more than just books. It's a place to come together as a community. We welcome teens and adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers to join us for games, crafts, music, and more! 

Sensory Sensitive Storytime
Finksburg Branch
Friday, May 17, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: All Ages
Registration and more information
This inclusive program welcomes children of all abilities and their caregivers to a supportive, judgment-free storytime.

PAWS to Read
Finksburg Branch
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 4 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Come to the library to visit with or read to a book-loving dog. Research shows that reading to animals boosts reading skills in children and helps with social skills and emotional health for all ages. Adults and seniors can come to de-stress and relax with a fuzzy friend too. Walk-ins welcome!

Picnic Concert Series: Ben Sherman Duo
Finksburg Branch
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: All Ages
Registration and more information
Join us at the Finksburg Branch Garden for this music event! Pack a picnic, spread a blanket, and enjoy the cool sounds of local bands. Artists are encouraged to bring supplies and create artwork during the golden hour. Tonight's event features the Ben Sherman Duo. Ben is the master of many styles on the guitar, playing everything from classical to classic rock during his 30+ year musical career. In the event of rain, this concert will be in our Large Meeting Room.

Card Kit Crafty Box
Finksburg Branch
Friday, May 24, 2024 - 9:00am - 9:45am
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
What is a Card Kit Box? It's a box full of fun for crafty adults! Register to pick up a box containing library materials for crafty inspiration, including 2 rubber stamp sets, 2 card bases with envelopes, an ink pad, and other crafty extras to help unleash your creativity. Please return the stamp sets, ink pad, and box when you are done crafting. Registered attendees will receive a form via email to help Finksburg staff match you with your preferred crafty supplies.

Volunteer Opportunity at the Finksburg Branch Garden
Finksburg Branch
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 9:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 14 - 17
Registration and more information
Are you in need of service hours? Do you like working outside and don't mind getting your hands dirty? If so, this may be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! We are looking for students ages 14 - 17 to assist our local Master Gardeners with the maintenance of the Finksburg Branch Garden. Please dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, and bring water. Garden clean-up days are weather-dependent. 

Live Action Oregon Trail
Mount Airy Branch
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Complete alone (with paper doll party members) or a party of up to five to make it west on the most grueling wagon trail in history. Watch for flooding wagons, rattlesnake bites, and don't die of dysentery! Only one participant per group must register.

Crafty Creations: Bedazzled Bookmarks
Mount Airy Branch
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
What do you do with a hardback book that you no longer want? Turn it into bookmarks! Join us as we turn hardbacks into decorated bookmarks with dazzling results. All supplies will be provided. 

Making Jam with Fresh Strawberries
North Carroll Branch
Monday, May 20, 2024 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Participate in a hands-on workshop for making your own jam with Dr. Shauna Henley and Terry Serio from the University of Maryland Extension, Carroll County Office. The workshop is for beginning and experienced canners.

Senior Planet: Mindfulness Apps
North Carroll Branch
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Plug into these apps to help you unplug from everything else! Need to unwind? Here's some tech for the mind with benefits such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure. Senior Planet programs are provided in cooperation with the Carroll Tech Council.

Crazy for Crafting
North Carroll Branch
Thursday, May 23, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for some fun and easy craft projects each month. No experience or creative skills are needed. Bring a friend or meet new people who also enjoy crafting.

Spring Healthy Cooking Series: Mediterranean Diet
North Carroll Branch
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
May is National Mediterranean Diet Month. Celebrate with Weis Dietitian Christina Pelletier, MS, RDN, LDN, and learn about the components of the Mediterranean Diet and its health benefits. The presentation will be followed by a Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl recipe demonstration that participants can sample. Come and receive a $5.00 coupon to Weis Markets.

Taneytown Anime Club
Taneytown Branch
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
Join us to watch the latest and greatest anime with other Taneytown teens! 

Itty Bitty Science: May Flowers
Taneytown Branch
Friday, May 17, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 6
Registration and more information
Have a budding young scientist? Our program will help them blossom! We will explore the science of flowers through stories, activities, and more. 

Super Smash Bros. Tournament for Kids
Taneytown Branch
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 6 - 11
Registration and more information
CCPL's Taneytown Branch is having a monthly Super Smash Bros. tournament for kids, so join us to show you're the best Super Smash Bros. player your age in town! No prizes, just glory to the winner!

Super Smash Bros. Tournament for Teens
Taneytown Branch
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
CCPL's Taneytown Branch is having a monthly Super Smash Bros. tournament for teens, so join us to show you're the best Super Smash Bros. player in town! No prizes, just glory to the winner!

Diamond Painting
Taneytown Branch
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a monthly session of diamond painting! We'll have a new project each month, and no experience is necessary!  

Super Mario Escape Room
Taneytown Branch
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 6 - 11
Registration and more information
Oh no, Bowser has you trapped in a room! Will you be able to work together to find the clues and solve the puzzles to get out in time to rescue Princess Peach in this Super Mario-themed escape room? 

Let's Get Crafty
Taneytown Branch
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Come craft with us! We will have a fun and EASY craft project each month. No experience or creative skills are needed! Bring a friend and craft together, or meet new people with a shared love of crafting.  

Transitioning to Medicare Part 2
Westminster Branch
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Are you or someone you care about eligible for Medicare? Come and find out how to maximize your Medicare health benefits. This seminar focuses on Medicare Supplement/Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. Learn about the different Medigap plans and your period of guaranteed issue rights under original Medicare. These secondary/supplemental plans can cover some or all of Medicare's out-of-pocket costs. We will also discuss a different way to obtain all services covered by Medicare and more: Medicare Advantage Plans.

Westminster Branch Teen Advisory Board
Westminster Branch
Monday, May 20, 2024 - 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Calling all teens looking for leadership roles in planning library programs. We want you for our Teen Advisory Board! Need service hours? We've got those too! Participants can join us in person or log in virtually through Zoom by registering.

May Flowers Paint Party Jr.
Westminster Branch
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 8 - 17
Registration and more information
In this junior paint party, our young artists will have an opportunity to paint a flower masterpiece of their own on a small canvas to help usher in spring. Adults are welcome to observe, but supplies will be limited to youth participants.

Diverse Voices Book Club: Yellowface
Westminster Branch
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a monthly book discussion focusing on a diverse author's work. Each month, we will select a young adult or adult title written by an author from a diverse background so we can learn from others' perspectives. Our May selection is Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. Attendees are welcome to attend in person at CCPL's Westminster Branch or virtually through Zoom.

TRIVIA NIGHT at Bistro 91 in Finksburg
Offsite
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
What trivia tidbits are rattling around in your head? Grab a few friends and join us for Trivia Night at Bistro 91! If your team needs to cancel or adjust your team size on the day of the program (Tuesday, 5/14), please call Bistro 91 at (410) 861-8841. All prizes are provided by Bistro 91.

Registration required. Only one person per team needs to register. 

Only teams of 6 or less can be seated in the dining room.

Dungeons & Dragons Online
Online
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Join us for a session of Dungeons & Dragons played entirely online! Pre-generated characters will be available, and registrants will meet on Zoom the day before to become familiar with any websites used. This session is for beginners and avid players alike.

Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the United States and other countries. © 2015 Wizards. All Rights Reserved.

The Zentangle Method of Drawing-based Mindfulness
Online
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this online class, Sarah Reading CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) will lead us through a relaxing drawing activity that starts with four dots and a line. The outcome will amaze you! Please have the following supplies handy: white paper, a black pen, a pencil, and something with which to smudge. Registration closes at 4 PM on the day of the program. You will receive the Zoom link by 5:30 PM on the day of the program.