Google is your best friend, as are these forums.

I have just jumped into bike maintenance with two feet without very much "tool" knowledge. I am mechanically inclined, however, so that helps, but I understand where you are coming from...I sent many emails to my father with questions about different tools and such after reading through how-to sites and watching videos.

I think a book is a great starting point, but if you really want to learn you will need to get yours hands VERY dirty. Taking apart a bike, and reassembling it (as I have just done for the first time) will present you with so many random challenges that I can't imagine even the best book would cover. Tips from pros, problem-solving skills and macguyver capabilities will also come in very handy.

Be prepared to spend time and money (on tools!), and take your time to understand how and why the bike and its parts work they way they do.

I now know what a cone wrench is, as well as a spoke nipple, a limit screw and a bearing race! whoa!

Most importantly, have fun!!