The bookstore or an online book source like Abes books is a good way to find a basic guide book for quilting. I paid $5 for Better Homes and Gardens quilting book at Borders along time ago.
I read it then it sits on my bookshelf not used again.
I learned to quilt by watching videos on the web. Quilt In A Day has lots of Eleanor Burns videos to watch. She is the best teacher for beginners.
A great free video site is:
http://quilterstv.com
You tube has lots of videos also.