The dashboard clock glows a soft 4:15 am as I navigate the pre-dawn streets. At this hour, the city belongs to the early risers and late-night thinkers. Most passengers are content with the silence, but occasionally the conversation takes a turn towards the things that actually matter. We'll be cruising along when a rider will ask a question, "How long have you been Ubering?" "Do you enjoy Ubering?" "Have you met your fair share of weird riders?" That's usually the "tentacle" which can lead us into a deeper conversation. It's the perfect opening for me to share where my heart is during the daylight hours: Freedom Reads. I share my experiences working with Freedom Reads and the mission we're pursuing. The responses are a kaleidoscope of genuine curiosity. People lean forward, their faces illuminated by the passing street lights, asking the questions that show they are truly listening: "What do the libraries look like?" "How do you decide which books they get?" "What are the libraries made of?"
Our Freedom Reads libraries are beautifully crafted from three species of wood: red oak, red cherry, and black walnut. Every library features a unique, open design on both sides, intentionally built to spark conversation and foster new friendships while browsing the shelves. The books inside are just as thoughtful, featuring titles personally chosen by our team and recommended by the wonderful Freedom Reads community.
In all my time behind the wheel, I haven't heard a negative word about the mission. Not one. The value of finding hope in a story, a book, the spoken or written word. Many riders share their connection to books they love. Telling of their latest read, a book they want to read, or the last book they read. Hearing strangers validate the work we do acts as a mirror, reflecting just how rare and vital Freedom Reads really is. When the trip nears its end, I reach for the stash I keep ready. Gifting a Freedom Reads bookmark and the barcode flyer is a small piece of the mission that they can take home with them. The most powerful moments happen when a rider mentions a tip. I politely decline and make a different request: "Instead of tipping me, would you consider sending a donation to Freedom Reads?"
The shift in the car's energy changes. There's a sense of pride in their voices, a genuine eagerness to be part of something bigger. They'll tap away at their phones for a moment before looking up with a smile, announcing, "All set, James." As the sun begins to peak over the horizon and I head off to Hamden, I'm left with more than mileage. These early morning jaunts are a reminder that the world is full of people ready to be inspired, and I'm fortunate and blessed to work for the organization that provides that inspiration.