Using the light of the candles

We live in a small annex, and the only window is in the only room. And it’s the same room where the baby sleeps. Yesterday the baby fell asleep, so we turned off the lights and stayed in the room. I said words of Torah and told some tales that I prepared. But, as I was saying those things, I wanted to take a look at some notes in order to remember what I was planning to say. But I didn’t know if I’m allowed to do that, since that way I’d be benefitting from the light of the Chanukkah candles. If not for the light of all the candles, It would have been impossible to read there at all. If this happens again, that during the half hour after candle lighting, we’ll be forced to turn off the lights, will I be allowed to just take a quick look at some notes that I prepared so as to remember what I was planning to say?    

You were allowed to look at your notes, since casual use for some holy purpose is allowed. To look in your notes for the words of Torah or a story of miracles or praise to Hashem that you wanted to tell is definitely fulfilling a commandment. You are also allowed to learn casually to the light of the Chanukkah candles.

Shulchan Oruch, section Orach Chaim, chapter 673, §1; Mishnah Berurah, ibid., subsection 12; Biur Halachah, ibid.; Azamrah LiShmecha Newsletter, # 118