Yes definitely read manual . Although I may start to thread and have a go on a sample short stitch just to hear my new machine purr. Then read.
My nephews stood with me and listened to the sales person giving us instructions on the features of the machine . they undid the machine and started sewing while I got tea. They never read the booklet until they broke a needle and needed to know how to change it. Even with instructions they couldn't do it as it took brute strength from my brother to undo the screw. Wasn't I lucky the boys wanted to use the machine. I live 20 miles away and would have been stuck at home trying to release the needle when I wanted to change it.
you need the manual for some features but not others. I save my manuals online don't like the booklets which fall apart if they are used too much. Bernina do the best with spiral binding.