PIERRE — Having gone through the necessary steps to apply for a $500,000 grant, it’s now a waiting game for the library.

Recently, the city applied for a community block grant on behalf of Rawlins Library. If the money comes through, it would go a long way in expanding the library.

“There is no timeframe for the response,” said Beverly Lewis, library director. “It’s just a step in the process.”

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As part of the process, the library had to conduct 400 telephone surveys to determine the financial make-up of the community. In order to apply, at least half of the respondents had to be of low income. When tallied, 52 percent of respondents identified themselves as low income.

“People were most gracious about responding,” Lewis said.

To apply, the city had to lay out some specific planning goals.

They range from having more single level housing to more jobs through tourism to moving forward on design of downtown redevelopment. Other potential projects include, reconstruction of Dakota Avenue, a parking study for the central business district, a new airport terminal and library expansion.

“That is part of the process — get communities to think about their future projects,” said Marlene Knutson, executive director of the Central South Dakota Enhancement District, which will submit the application. “It’s a little planning.”

Lewis said library staff have identified five reasons for a library expansion, among them are having more room for books, computers, programs, patron gathering areas and staff space.

“We’re hopeful it won’t be terribly long,” Lewis said. “We’re going to be patient. We’re excited the city approved the application process.

“Now, we wait.”