@topherfox,
Absolutely - the Russell is fantastic, though not only for beginners, for anyone, really. Even the stereotypical ideal of the scholar sage, I think, should be interested in reading the book. Check out the classics, Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Descartes - the big names are so for a reason. A great host of subject specific books are also available, books on Metaphysics, ethics, problems of free will, god, ect. Used book stores are great places to find cheap (relating to cost, not quality) philosophy.
Also, a good history of philosophy set would be valuable.