I love the public library. No matter what town I live in, I'm always at the library at least once a week. I certainly wouldn't (and couldn't) pay for all the weird books I read.....

If you decide to try Holmes, you don't have to read them in order; but "A Study in Scarlet" in the one that introduces the characters.

Someday, if the Lord tarries, I intend to read Jane Austen; everyone says she's just terrific. But last year I finally got around to reading "Moby Dick" for the first time (and enjoyed it), so I'm feeling very "righteous" right now, and not obligated to tackle any more of the classics!