Couve Scoop January 2026: Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Launches Library of Things  | Kafiex Roasters Named 2026 Micro Roaster of the Year 

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Launches Library of Things  

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRLibraries) is expanding beyond its collection of books to offer a Library of Things, providing resident cardholders free access to borrow musical instruments, educational toys and puzzles for kids, recreational equipment, tools and more.  

Available now, library patrons can browse and reserve items through the library’s online catalog. Once the hold is ready, cardholders will receive a pickup notice and can collect their items at most FVRLibraries locations. Items are available for a three-week checkout period at no cost.  

“The Library of Things represents what libraries do best, providing equal access to resources,” said FVRLibraries Executive Director Jennifer Giltrop. “Whether someone wants to try pickleball, needs a drill for a weekend project, or wants to explore a new hobby like sewing, we’re expanding what it means to have access — and making it easier to learn, create and try something new.”  

This collection encompasses a diverse assortment of items across multiple categories:  

● Music & Audio: ukuleles, keyboards, podcasting microphones and GoPro cameras  
● Crafting & Sewing: sewing machines, sergers and knitting machines  
● Tools & Home Projects: stud finders, laser levels, drills and drill bit kits  
● Hobbies: pickleball sets, metal detectors and bird-watching kits  
● Baking & Kitchen: specialty cake pans in fun shapes  
● Learning & Play: educational toys, puzzles and building blocks  
● Tech & Creative Gear: projectors, ring lights and blood pressure monitors  

The launch of the Library of Things is made possible through support from the Library Foundation, which has invested $15,000 in 2025 to help build the initial collection. The Foundation has also committed additional funding in 2026 to grow offerings in response to community feedback.  

FVRLibraries welcomes suggestions for future additions to the collection and is accepting donations of new or like-new items that support creativity, learning or everyday projects.  

Items can be picked up at all FVRLibraries locations except Yacolt, Yale, North Bonneville and Vancouver Mall.  

For more information on Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries’ Library of Things , visit https://www.fvrl.org/library-of-things/.  

Kafiex Roasters Named 2026 Micro-Roaster of the Year 

A Vancouver local favorite Kafiex Roasters has been named Roast Magazine’s 2026 Micro Roaster of the Year. 
 
“From our beginnings at farmers markets to competing and teaching on international stages, our goal has always been simple: to create meaningful connections through coffee. This award reflects not just our work, but the dedication of producers, educators and coffee lovers who have shaped our journey from day one,” said Seidy and Matthew Selivanow, founders and owners of Kafiex in Vancouver. 
 
Established in 2018, the owners of Kafiex said that this recognition celebrates more than roasting. It honors the values that define Kafiex: education, sustainability, inclusion and storytelling. “Through every Coffee Club event, workshop and café conversation, we’ve seen how coffee brings people together and bridges cultures,” they said. 
 
Kafiex coffee is crafted locally here in Vancouver. Their coffees are roasted weekly at their Coffee Lab and served both there and at their Gastro Café on the Vancouver Waterfront. Their popular Vancouver Blend was one of the winning coffees featured in their submission. 

Kafiex takes coffee very seriously – every coffee served must score 84 points or above, a mark of excellence verified by their in-house Q-grader. They also source from farms that value ecological balance and fair labor, in addition to being a Certified Clark County Green Business.  
 
“We’re proud to represent the Pacific Northwest’s growing coffee community and grateful to every customer who has supported us along the way,” said Seidy and Matthew. “This award belongs to everyone who has been part of our story, from local regulars to students in our classes and partners around the globe.” 

You can visit their Coffee Lab at 720 Esther St., Vancouver or their Gastro Café at 100 Parkway Pl., Vancouver. In addition to their award-winning coffee, breakfast and brunch are served daily. 

Read the full January 2026 Issue