insofar as the latest languages go, yes QB is outdated. Not to mention that microsoft no longer supports any further development for this language, that's probably why the have now released it as freeware (if I'm wrong please correct me) at least QB 1.1.
However, QB is definitely a good language to get your feet wet in programming. The ONLY problem with QB as a starting point is that when you try to switch to another language, you'll want to go back to QB because of its simplicity.
As far as getting books on the subject, you could try a local library. If you take a look in a telephone directory you may find a not-so-well-known bookstore that may have older books. You would be wise to take a look in the help files for some examples as well. See, Borders is nice, but what you have to understand is that they are out to make a buck. That means, "OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW". So they most likely won't have anything on the shelves--but I'm sure if you ask the service desk, they'll try to find one for you...it due to the bucks again...see what i'm saying?
Well that's enough ranting, I'll leave you to your adventures. Good Luck.