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If this problem persists in the future, download a mod that allows you to drop quest items. Leave the book in a chest or a barrel, fast travel away, then return to pick it up. If not, go back to Skyrim then back to Soltshelm.
I found a way to work around this issue. I'll share it here in case anyone has this problem in the future:
Remove all your weapons and armor from your inventory. Either by dropping them on the floor or in a chest. Except for the piece you're going to improve. The graphics bug shouldn't...
When using the grindstone--with a weapon in your inventory--the weapon graphic appears in the background and hovers over your head forever. This is potentially game-breaking because it blocks your screen regardless of POV and cannot be removed during gameplay. Swimming, fast travel, waiting...