I keep and have been adding to (thanks to all here ) a library on my laptop. It's quick and easy to run notepad or word and copy/paste on the fly. Then you can spend some time reorganizing and reading it bit by bit later on.
I am also building a book library. However, for reading, using, searching and sharing, keeping it electronically is beneficial at least to me.. a cd or download onto a zip drive is also quite a lot more portable.
For memorizing, I am terrible remembering names , but I never miss a voice. As for facts, I have found if I read something like a Historical novel or article, it's much easier to remember all the details including facts. Try to learn a general bit of everything, but stick to one area of REAL learning at a time..ship types, famous pirates/privateers, clothing etc. ~ Hope this helps!