Please pardon a distant onlooker for sneaking in and commenting: I do so because Bob's concern is NOT limited to 'out there'...we have similar issues at 'The Getaway'.

Even though I am far from Sunny Camp, I like to read about activities in other areas.
   I agree with Deckman's sentiments totally. I have 3-4 shelves full of folk music books..and I even own one of 'those' blue ones....but they are for research at odd times, not too allow one to pretend one is familiar with a song.

'Singing out of a book' is for church and certain Choral societies. I would rather someone knew only 4 songs, but knew them well, than to be vaguely familiar with 40 and be pausing between lines trying to remember what verse they are on.

If someone 'almost' knows a song, and has a cheat sheet handy...just in case...I will be fine (I do it myself occasionally). The test is, if I can close my eyes and not realize the singer has a 'helper' book or sheet, I can enjoy the song.

I know some folks have it easier remembering tunes & lyrics than others, but I encourage everyone to become familiar enough with their repertoire to be able to just happily SING...*smile*