Supporting youth literacy through the Five Star Reader Program.
Five Star Bank has been proud to partner with Buffalo-based The Teacher's Desk for more than eight years, supporting the nonprofit’s mission to provide free school supplies, books, and educational resources to local students and educators in need.
In 2022, we worked together to launch the Five Star Reader program to make books more accessible to children and families across Western and Central New York. By offering free books in local communities, the program encourages reading beyond the classroom and helps children build confidence, curiosity and strong literacy skills.
Across our footprint, nine branch locations currently offer the Five Star Reader program. In July 2026, Five Star Bank strengthened its commitment to The Teacher’s Desk with a $20,000 grant that will help expand access to free books and bring the program to three additional branch locations throughout the region by year-end.
"Literacy is one of the strongest foundations for lifelong success,” said Karla J.L. Gadley, Community Development Director at Five Star Bank. “Through The Teacher's Desk and the Five Star Reader program, we can help put books directly into the hands of children and encourage reading beyond the classroom."
Find a free book near you.
Families can find free books through the Five Star Reader program at participating Five Star Bank branches, including Auburn, Bath West End, City Gate, Elmira, Elmwood Crossing, LeRoy, Naples, Salamanca and Seneca Street. Whether it's a child's first favorite story or a new book to explore, the program helps support learning at home, encourage literacy, and create opportunities for students to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
To learn more about The Teacher’s Desk and ways to support its mission, visit the organization’s website.
31,000+
Free books distributed to local youth
$145,000
Grant funding provided to The Teacher’s Desk since 2018
$408,000+
Value of books provided
Making a meaningful difference.
Explore the positive impact we’re creating in our communities.