The library or bookstore can yield some good books for the basic rules, moves and tactics. There is a series of books by Yasser Seirawan for learning chess such as: Play Winning Chess (easiest one), Winning Chess Tactics, Winning Chess Openings, and others in the series. Also, there are: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Chess by Patrick Wolff; Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer; Beginning Chess by Bruce Pandolfini; Chess For Success by Tony Gillam; and other good books for beginners to chess. For chess puzzles there is a very large book - Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations, and Games - by Laszlo Polgar.
chess is ultimately learned by playing and can become more and more stimulating and challenging the more you participate in it. As you progress you can learn different techniques and see patterns of chess more clearly. Learn some basics, get chessmen and board, find some chess games, have fun and don’t force it. Chess improvement will come at its’ own pace. So, relax, study and play! By entering into the fascinating world of chess you will gain the benefits of learning chess, as well as, the enjoyment of a game that you can keep on learning for a lifetime.

If a person is a Chess Newbie, not sure of any/some of the rules of the game or even how the pieces move etc.- then the book, '101 Questions on How to Play Chess" is a fantastic starting book at a fantastic price- just $3.00 on Amazon-
Amazon.com: 101 Questions on How to Play Chess (Dover Game & Puzzle Activity Books): Fred Wilson: Books

'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess' and 'Chess for Dummies' are two other excellent chess primers on the market. Highly recommended.

I don't own Wilson's book although all the reviews I have seen of it thoroughly recommend it.

I've heard that 'The complete Idiot's Guide to Chess' is a great starter option. So I have been told anyway.