Abstract: A loading apparatus for a recording medium comprises a holder for holding a recording medium, a guide provided on the holder, a slide plate mounting thereon, and a raised member which supports the guide when the recording medium is not inserted into the holder and which releases the support when a recording medium is fully inserted into the holder. The holder is urged downward so that, when the guide is released from the raised member, the recording medium moves downward to a loading position. A discharging plate having a cam mounted thereon is also provided. When the discharging plate is pushed, the cam pushes up the guide, thereby returning the holder to an unloading position. Thus, each of the loading and unloading operations is completed only by one manual operation.