Santa Monica Public Library and Bahala present Join & Thrive: Film Screening and Volunteer Fair

September 22, 2026 2:31 PM

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2026) - The Santa Monica Public Library, in partnership with local nonprofit Bahala, invites community members to Join & Thrive: Film Screening and Volunteer Fair, an afternoon of film, conversation and community connection on Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

The event will center on a screening and discussion of the Emmy-nominated 2023 documentary "Join or Die," which explores political scientist Robert Putnam's research on the relationship between community participation, social connection and civic life. Following the screening at the Main Library's Multipurpose Room, attendees will have an opportunity to reflect on the importance of belonging and participation and explore ways to become more involved in the Santa Monica community.

A volunteer fair in the Main Library's Central Courtyard will follow the screening and discussion, connecting residents with local organizations and community groups. The volunteer fair will feature more than a dozen community partners, including Familias Latinas Unidas, Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library, League of Women Voters Santa Monica, Meals on Wheels West Los Angeles, Police Activities League, Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council, Santa Monica Early Childhood Task Force, Santa Monica Forward, Wise & Healthy Aging, and more.

"Strong, resilient communities are built when people have opportunities to connect, participate and contribute," said Director of Library Services Erica Cuyugan. "Join & Thrive is an invitation to find a cause, organization or activity that speaks to you and discover how getting involved can strengthen both our individual connections and our community as a whole."

Bahala is a Santa Monica-based nonprofit that helps neighbors collaborate, learn and have fun together. Bahala's free programs and events strengthen and foster community connection in Santa Monica.

For more information about Bahala, visit bahala.org. For more information about the Santa Monica Public Library, visit santamonica.gov/library.

Media Contact

Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
[email protected]

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Arts, Culture & Fun, Community Events, Library, Programs

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