Yes and Yes.
However, instead of just RCTN (which some folks may have trouble getting to if their ISP doesn't carry NGs), also mention YahooGroups, where they can find a group specifically to their interest and then get instruction on how to get to RCTN.
I'd also make a point of letting them know that their favorite designer may have a website, and that website may have a BB or e-list, and the website may have older patterns that you don't have in stock.
As far as "bibles", the Reader's Digest Book of Needlework (or whatever the accurate name of it is), is a good beginner book. For the cost of one book, they get multiple techniques and beginner patterns for each. Then they can come back and buy the advanced bible(s) specific to the one(s) that caught their fancy.
You probably should have a newsletter. I'd be happy to do it for you professionally. In this case, will work for stash. I can also refer you to a good web designer, who is also a stitcher.
One thing I like about my LNS is the annual customer contest, so we can see what everyone else is stitching. In addition to prizes for the most votes, there's also a prize for the one that resulted in the most chart sales.