Abstract: Apparatus for reading images from an image carrier, such as a microfiche. The apparatus includes a mechanism for holding the image carrier between two glass plates as the carrier is moved across the optical plane of a corresponding optical system. These glass plates are pressed together in the area of the optical axis so as to ensure that the image carrier is held in a flat position when it is being viewed through the optical system. When the holding mechanism is moved to one end position so as to be substantially withdrawn from the reading apparatus, however, one of the glass plates is automatically swiveled out and away from the other glass plate so as to allow an image carrier to either be removed or inserted between the glass plates.