Overview
Russell County Public Library serves a small, rural community in south-central Kentucky, near Lake Cumberland, a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The county is home to roughly 18,000 residents, and its economy is shaped by local services, agriculture and tourism.
Like many rural areas, Russell County faces economic and educational challenges, including lower median household incomes and college attainment rates. Within this context, the library provides critical access to educational resources and opportunities for residents.
Making a Difference
LearningExpress Library is an online platform offering practice tests, tutorials and career tools to support college and career readiness. Through Russell County Public Library’s access via Kentucky Virtual Library, students and families have a clear, structured way to prepare for exams and strengthen academic skills.
For Ginger Stapp, a children’s librarian at Russell County Public Library, the impact was deeply personal — and something she now shares with families every chance she gets.
"LearningExpress Library made a huge difference for my daughter, Allison,” Stapp said. “She was a strong student and hard worker, but not a great test taker. The ACT® prep tools in LearningExpress Library helped her really learn the material and overcome test anxiety."
LearningExpress Library is a learning tool, not just test prep. It helps build skills that last long term.
LearningExpress Library is a learning tool, not just test prep. It helps build skills that last long term.
With consistent practice, Allison raised her ACT® score from 22 to 28 — high enough to earn college scholarships that saved the family $40,000 over four years. "Her work really paid off, and it felt so good knowing that," Stapp said. “She was over the moon."
Stapp also emphasized the platform’s immediate feedback as a key to her daughter’s success. "I loved that it would tell you what you got wrong and show you the correct answer," she said. "It’s a learning tool, not just test prep. It helps build skills that last long term."
Stapp said she often recommends LearningExpress Library to parents who homeschool and anyone preparing for a college entrance exam or career certification, such as the GRE® or a real estate license. "I definitely promote it," she said. "It’s just too good. I really love it."
Ready to expand college, career and test prep support at your library?
Learn more about LearningExpress Library Complete.