Self-education is fine as far as it goes, but there's nothing like sharing an interest with others. Call or e-mail the clubs near you. Maybe you'll get invited to monthly meetings or nighttime star parties and make new friends. You have to check them out for yourself. But none would have published a contact unless they hoped to hear from you.
Computer networks offer another way to contact other amateurs.
Try the CompuServe Astronomy Forum, the AOL Astronomy Club, Yahoo clubs, or the newsgroup sci.astro.amateur. You may encounter the inevitable flamers and the overly opinionated, but by and large these communities offer interesting news and chat by friendly amateurs who are quick to offer help, opinions, and advice. When it's time for a telescope, plunge in deep. Eventually you'll know you're ready. You'll have spent hours poring over books and ad brochures.