I often recommend books to friends that want to improve their knowledge and practice their skills. Some of these are favourites that I tend to read and refer to every so often. Many of these are available at the library! Some of the links provided are for the Toronto Public Library, some of them in ebook form.
There are multiple ways to do things. There is no one best way, depending on your circumstances. Learn them all.
Crack climbing: Mastering the skills & techniques
Pete Whittaker
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills (10th ed.)
(many contributors)
Library: paper
Advanced Rock Climbing: Mastering Sport and Trad Climbing
Bob Gaines, Peter Croft, et al.
Library: paper
These books are by Andy Kirkpatrick. If anything, read Down. The knowledge contained within will save your life, and that of your team.
Down
Descending; getting down alive.
On the Line
Top rope soloing.
Me, Myself and I (3rd ed.)
(Big) wall rope soloing, applies to cragging and single day multi-pitch as well.
Hooking Up
Fabio Elli, Peter Zabrok
Big Walling, Aid. I have not read this book yet but waiting to run into Pete himself so I can pay him cash and get a fresh copy out of his car. I’m not in a rush to aid a big wall route anytime soon, but it’s on the “bucket list”.
Climb On | Verti Call | Pete’s post on MP to buy direct from Canada
VDiff
Safe rock climbing skills explained.
AlpineSavvy
John Godino