The Santa Monica Public Library and nonprofit Bahala will host a free film screening and volunteer fair on Oct. 3 at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. The event, called "Join & Thrive," runs from noon to 4 p.m.

It opens with a screening of the Emmy-nominated documentary "Join or Die" in the second-floor Multipurpose Room. A volunteer fair follows in the Central Courtyard, where more than a dozen community organizations will set up tables.

The documentary traces Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam's research into the decades-long decline of American civic participation. Drawn from his landmark book "Bowling Alone," the film has been shown at more than 600 community screenings nationwide. It features interviews with former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Pete Buttigieg and Hillary Clinton.

Erica Cuyugan, director of library services at the Santa Monica Public Library, called the event "an invitation to find a cause, organization or activity that speaks to you." Getting involved, she said in a statement posted by Santa Monica Next, "can strengthen both our individual connections and our community as a whole."

Organizations confirmed for the fair include 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. Additional groups are expected.

Bahala, a Santa Monica nonprofit focused on neighborhood connection, already runs weekly programs including Coffee & Connections on Fridays at the Colorado Center and Tea & Talks on Monday evenings. The Oct. 3 event adds to that lineup.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.