The present invention provides an automatic paper feed apparatus which can reliably prevent papers from being discharged in an overlapped state in spite of simple construction. The automatic paper feed apparatus comprises a paper feed roller for automatically feeding a plurality of papers in order from an uppermost one, with the plurality of papers being contained in a cassette in a stacked state. A holding member having flexibility is provided so that the holding member comes into contact with the uppermost paper to generate a friction force that is weaker than that between the paper feed roller and the uppermost paper.
