A light transmitting device is extremely adaptable and provides a great amount of light for a given battery power. A flexible elongated polymeric light transmitting element has first and second ends with at least one LED immediately adjacent (e. g. touching but not embedded in) one or both of the ends so that light is efficiently transmitted from an LED along the light transmitting element. At least one battery powers the LED. A module including a printed circuit board, electrical switch, and the LED and battery, is positioned within a housing having open ends so that one or both ends of the light transmitting element receive light directly from an LED. A number of button batteries, or a rechargeable battery with USB port, may be mounted on the module, and the circuitry of the printed circuit board may include an integrated circuit.
