Instead of relying on existing table surfaces, focus on the available light in your living space. You'll need bright, diffuse daylight. Therefore, a spot by the window is your best choice, either on a cloudy day or a window facing a direction where direct sunlight won't be an issue. You can improvise a tabletop using crates or available furniture. Just ensure it's stable and clean.
If you don't have special lenses, a tripod, or a self-timer, use your smartphone for handheld standing shots. Pay attention to the shooting angle; if the camera is directly above the paper, you'll avoid perspective distortion.
Sometimes, the condition of the book's spine is so fragile that forcefully opening it would endanger the book. This should, of course, be avoided. Equally frustrating is when the book pages don't lie flat, as they have a curvature toward the center. This distorts individual lines, and you might encounter depth of field issues. Professionals use fabric-covered wedges to prop the book open in a partially open position. You can easily improvise this by rolling up a towel or constructing a slope with other books. The outcome is what matters most; if your makeshift contraption appears in the photos, it's not a major concern.
As soon as you have set the book properly and taken your smartphone camera, the book pages start turning on their own. Avoid placing heavy objects on the document, as it can cause damage. Professionals use clips or transparent plastic strips, but since we are not professionals, and smartphones can be operated with one hand, simply ensure your fingers don't obstruct the text, and include your index finger in the photo.
If the paper exhibits light reflections, and you don't want to alter the shooting angle (due to perspective distortion), your options are to change the light source (curtains, more distance from the window, waiting for a rainy day), or tilt the entire tabletop. As long as you are confident everything remains stable, this should resolve the issue effectively.