Guides can be useful, just make it clear to them that you're hiring them to learn technique more than catch fish that day. That might affect where they take you, but more importantly, they're more likely to utilize a variety of techniques and explain when to use each of them, explain leaders and equipment for each, etc., rather than simply supply you with what you need and focus on the 1 technique which is best for that time and place.
Most good shops also offer short classes as well. I know FFP in State College would do nymphing courses with small groups for a much lower fee than 1 on 1 guiding. Even off stream, there are many casting instructors available through shops, TU organizations, and even community colleges and such.
That said, many on this board could teach you a few things to quicken the learning curve, obviously we just had the free event in Allentown but most of us are willing to take you out 1 on 1 as well, which is an even better forum. Secret: We enjoy our hobby and love to share it! May not be as good as a professional but we will help and are willing.
Me included. I now live about an hour south of you and I too have to learn some new streams down that way. But I still work in Reading, and expect to make some local after work trips once the days get long enough. I can just about guarantee that once the caddis and sulfurs start flying I'll be out near Reading 2 or 3 days a week. It's an open offer, just shoot me a pm.
