An image reading apparatus comprises an original mounting table, a scanning means
for scanning an original mounted on the original mounting table, a carriage for
mounting the scanning means thereon, a cable for transmitting a moving force to
the carriage, and a guide member for guiding the carriage in the movement direction
thereof. The carriage is biased in a rotating direction centering about an axis
perpendicular to the original mounting table by the tension of the cable.