I was able to get a deal on a large set of photography books at my local used book store. I got four or five books, each on a separate topic, for about $2 each.
Second hand stores are great places to shop, especially for books on specialist subjects that don't have a wide audience, you can pick them up for next to nothing... besides, you're usually only gonna read them once, so who cares if they're a bit tatty? Library might be another good spot of course.
Go to your local library or photography club. Many times a club will have books that can be borrowed and may even have different cameras that may be leant out to try. Many outings are possible also with club membership and what better way to learn photography than from someone that has experience;-)