ROCKPORT — The Rockport Library took another big step toward its fundraising goal, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation.

“This generous grant really speaks to the vital role libraries play in our community,” said Bill Leone, co-Chair of the Rockport Library Foundation’s capital campaign committee, in a news release, “and we’re delighted to have our library recognized by such a prestigious organization.”

The King Foundation was created in 1986 to support projects that address the underlying causes of social and environmental problems. It has a strong interest in literacy and projects that serve the most members of a community.

The grant pushes the private fundraising over the $1.55 million mark.

Co-Chair Joan Welsh adds, “Our goal is to raise $2 million to match the Town of Rockport’s $1.5 million bond. And we’re confident that we’ll reach it by year end.”

Meanwhile construction is well underway, and it’s expected that concrete for the foundation will begin pouring in the coming weeks.

For more information or to make a donation (including inscribed bricks for the walkways), go to: www.RockportLibraryFoundation.Org.