Matt Henriksen grew up in Ojai and witnessed many changes throughout the years, but one constant remained for the committed bibliophile, Bart's Books, founded in 1964.

Working at the time for an insurance agency, Matt found the work a little drab for his taste, and to supplement his income began doing odd jobs around the bookstore he - and hundreds of thousands of other people - love. When manager Dave Ray pulled up stakes to move to Pueblo, Colorado, Matt was offered his dream job. His extensive knowledge of books comes in handy as Ojai's resident recommender of literature. He also collects and sells vintage and valuable books, including some incredible finds.

Among many assorted topics, we talked about growing up Ojai, how his tastes in literature have, and have not, changed and what he thinks the future of this "smiling vale" will bring. We did not talk about geo-fencing, the Great Australian Emu War of 1932 (spoiler: the emus won) or tips and tactics for topwater bass.

Check out more at BartsBooksOjai.com