Being a Wicca educator and teacher, i can honestly tell you the best place to start is with a book. The book I recommend to all who come to me thinking that maybe they are being called to the craft is actually, 'the complete idiots guide to wicca and witchcraft'.
There is no offence meant, this is just simply, the perfect book for the beginner.
It is written in an easy to understand, light hearted way, that takes NOTHING away from the importance of the descision you are trying to make.
So many people who are new to the path, bombard themselves with book after book after book.
Whilst I agree that research is the most important way to learn, i ask you not to go crazy mentally or finacially doing so.
Many of the books avaialble today are merely repeating what has already been said a million times already. You are so much better with one solid text like the 'Idiots guide' that you can refer to and learn the basics from. It is also widely available from bookshops, Amazon and Ebay.
Try to get the current edition.
Once you have started to read the book, you will soon know if you want to read more on the subject or if it is not for you at all.
Also, be on the look out for like minded people or Wiccan/Pagan circles you can join as a beginner. I run a Wiccan circle of a Wednesday night, that allows people new to the path to meet others and learn new information.
After you have finished the Idiots guide and have a basic understanding of Wicca and Witchcraft ( and No, they are not the same thing !)- there are a multitude of books for you to read to advance your knowledge.
My personal favourites and those i recommend to my students
Wicca- A Guide for the Solitary Practioner by Scott Cunningham ( although touted as a beginners book, i do feel a basic understanding of Wicca is required to get the full benefit of Scott's work)
Book of Shadows- Phylis Curott- a womens journey from beginner to Witch
Dawning of the Pagan Moon - David Burnett- an older book and can behard to find, but well worth the effort.
There are many more but these three would get you started and give you enough information to start asking some questions about your own direction on the path.
Dont get too wrapped up in 'spell books'.
A good spell is written by a Witch and cast by a Witch, and spellcraft is not something that can be dabbled with without some advance learning.
Have fun reading and learning- trust that one book will lead you to the next.
please note : the Complete Idiots Guide to Witchcraft and Wicca is written with the Northern Hemisphere as its main focus. While this may cause some initial confusion to students in the Southern Hemisphere, the book is still by far the best starting place for anyone interested in the Craft.
