Many book lovers are panicking as independent publishers and bookstores go out of business. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, we'll look at the publishing industry. Also, Joyce Carol Oates on how to make it as a writer. And the quirky history of the bookcase — why books used to be chained to the shelf.

Playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon ("The Odd Couple," "Plaza Suite," "Brighton Beach Memoirs") talks with Steve Paulson about his second memoir, "The Play Goes On." They discuss the death of Simon's first wife, his subsequent marriage to actress Marcia Mason, and his writing process. We also hear clips from a couple of Simon films.

Pat Holt explains to Jim Fleming that she fears out culture is hitting a dead zone because of the trends in the publishing industry. Holt quit her job as book editor of the San Francisco Chronicle and founded an internet column called "Holt Uncensored." Subscription information is on the web at http://www.nciba.com/patholt.html. Also, Jim Fleming shares some thoughts on why so many of his favorite places are libraries and what books mean to him. And, Henry Petroski teaches civil engineering at Duke and is the author of "The Book on the Bookshelf." He talks with Steve Paulson about the history of the bookcase, back to the days when books were hand-copied and chained to the shelves.

Lillian Moats talks with Judith Strasser about her self- published, fictionalized memoir, "Legacy of Shadows." The book tells the story of here family and her emotional breakdown. Also, Robert Chappell, winner of the Bulwer- Lytton fiction writing contest (for bad prose!) reads his winning entry, and talks with Jim Fleming about trying to write badly. And, novelist Joyce Carol Oates gives Steve Paulson some tips for young writers trying to get established.

Distribution dates:

• week of 10/10/99 - hour 2