One benefit of the long winter evenings is that they afford the opportunity to take a little extra time to read, personally I think that it pays to try and have a beekeeping book on the go at all times, such a consistent programme of reading helps to build a general knowledge base which helps no end during the season. Another benefit of books is that (so long as you buy them rather than borrow) they slowly take on the status of your own reference library.
Books needn't cost a great deal either, this last month I've received two second hand bargains from ebay which I know cost a total of just under £6 including postage! A hardback copy of Ron Brown's 'Beekeeping: A Seasonal Guide' (a great early years reference book) and Douglas Whynott's 'Following the Bloom' an entertaining and enjoyable look at migratory beekeeping in the USA. So, I'd say, go scour the internet and second hand bookshops -once you start building that library you'll not want to stop.