A spread illuminating apparatus for illuminating two objects includes: at least one light source; a light conductive plate having the at least one light source at an end surface thereof and defining first and second major surfaces from which light emitted from the at least one light source and introduced in the light conductive plate exits out respectively toward two objects to be illuminated; an optical sheet unit consisting of a diffuser sheet and condenser sheets, and disposed on at least the second major surface so as to cover an entire area thereof; and a reflecting means having a smaller surface area than the second major surface, and disposed directly on top of the optical sheet unit.