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# Santa Monica Public Library, Bahala to Host Film Screening and Volunteer Fair
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-public-library-bahala-to-host-film-screening-and-volunteer-fair/
- Published: 2026-09-25T18:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T18:58:59.000Z
- Author: Maaz Alin
- Tags: Entertainment, Downtown Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Public Library, in partnership with the local nonprofit Bahala, will host Join & Thrive: Film Screening and Volunteer Fair from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.

The afternoon 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 in the Main Library's Multipurpose Room, attendees will have a chance to reflect on belonging and participation and to 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 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 and Wise & Healthy Aging.

"Strong, resilient communities are built when people have opportunities to connect, participate and contribute," said Erica Cuyugan, director of library services. "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. Its free programs and events work to strengthen and foster community connection in Santa Monica.

For more information about Bahala, visit[ ](http://bahala.org/?ref=smdp.com)[bahala.org](http://bahala.org/?ref=smdp.com). For more information about the Santa Monica Public Library, visit[ ](http://santamonica.gov/library?ref=smdp.com)[santamonica.gov/library](http://santamonica.gov/library?ref=smdp.com).

Edited by SMDP Staff