Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating the contents of a pocket book has a battery in electrical contact with a switch, and an illuminating light source comprised of incandescent light or at least one light emitting diode. An optically transmitting light pipe is coupled to the illuminating light source to bring the light closely proximate to the contents of the pocketbook. Light from the transmitting light pipe is extracted at selected locations to illuminate the pocketbook contents. A set of individual light emitting diodes connected to the battery and switch can, optionally, be disposed along the bottom or at least one sidewall of the pocketbook to illuminate its contents. Each of the illuminating systems provides omni-directional illumination in close proximity to the pocketbook contents without subjecting them to injury from hot or broken light bulbs.