Weight Lifting and a Trainer?

So over the last 4 years, I have lost 45 pounds, with my ultimate loss goal being 60 pounds. It's been a true lifestyle change for me. The problem is, that I've lost most of this weight, by cardio and running and I've just realized all the benefits to lifting and/or strength training. I did some research and thought I found some good weight programs, but they mostly involve the 5, 8, 10 lbs weights. The more research I do, the more I realize this is not the way to really strength train.

Anyway, yesterday I got one of those free fitness assessment that a lot of gyms offer with your membership and just like I thought, I have no idea what I am doing and I am not quite doing it right. During the movement test, I discovered how certain muscles have tightened up from years of just running and cardio. (Which would explain the recent back and hip pain that has become all too common to me recently) . While I was working out, he was constantly correcting me, cuz my body kept trying to do it the way I have been doing it, but when he corrected me, I felt so much better. And, clearly using different muscles because holy crap, am I sore in such a different way today.

Anyway, I can just barely afford it, but there's a one hour a month deal, for 6 months, that I want to try. My question is should I do it? Should I get a trainer? I feel like it's a good idea to start out learning the right movements, but it is a good chunk of change. For those of you who do lift, how did you learn proper form and how to design workouts for yourselves? Did you use a trainer or some other resources? Should I just get some books and try to teach myself how to do this. What do people think?

Thanks!