Reading Lights

Lighting, a factor

My wife and I love to read at night before dropping off to sleep. At hotels, we always check out the room first to see if there are reading lights for each of us. If not, we check for a floor lamp which can be moved to provide light. Checking with the desk is usually a waste of time. At times, we have moved on in search of accommodations with lights.

Oh, we also carry 100-watt bulbs to replace the 40-watt bulbs usually found.

Why those who rate accommodations do not include reading lights as a factor is beyond me.

BRUCE STARK

Seal Beach, CA

Bulb on a rope

The only reading light I will use is a small gray gadget with a rope that hangs around my neck and can be adjusted. Called Star Case, it has a small bulb inside and uses four batteries. I bought it many years ago through Magellan’s, but they no longer sell it.

I tried the Itty Bitty Book Lite but do not care for it, preferring my light as I do not have to clip it onto anything. If anyone is able to locate this or something similar, I would be most appreciative.

JUNE STARCK

New York, NY

Around the neck

I highly recommend the Ultimate Hands-Free Multi-Use Light. I have used it for years. It hangs around your neck and provides a wide area of light for easy reading. The light goes on when your head is lifted, and the angle can be adjusted. It has a high-powered, long-lasting bulb with a spare bulb inside; a standard screw-base bulb can be used.

It’s great on airplanes when the overhead light doesn’t work. I keep it by my bed in hotels to use for reading, to get up at night or in case of a fire alarm and evacuation. I have used the light many times in our home during power outages.

It is made by ASF Associates* in Merrick, New York.

J.S. NOLAN

Lafayette, CA

*This light is now called the Original Beam ’N Read and it costs $12.95 plus $5 shipping/handling (s/h for additional units, $2.50 each). It runs for 4-6 hours on four AA batteries. A new version, the LED Beam ’N Read ($19.95 plus $5 s/h, etc.), also runs on four AAs but lasts 120 hours. Both types are also available with magnifiers or color filters. Contact ASF Associates (Box 625, Merrick, NY 11566; 800/771-3600, fax 800/625-6897 or visit www.readinglight.com). This company offers many “low vision” products.