Honda Repair: 95 Civic with Coolant System Breakdown, cataclysmic breakdown, coolant system

Question
I have a 95 Honda Civic that I've driven for about five years.  
Recently, it's been overheating, in what seems to be a
cataclysmic breakdown of the car's cooling system.  The fans
don't come on, the radiator has a lengthy crack in the top of it,
and I have coolant leaking from somewhere around the drive
belts (which I plan on finding out tomorrow about where it's
coming from definitely).  About the only thing that seems to still
work correctly is the thermostat.
So I got myself a Haynes Repair Manual, intent on doing some of
the easier looking repairs myself due to my state of being 'poor'.  
I'm feeling very confidant about testing the fan motors and other
connected items, and even replacing the radiator, but I'm not
sure about the mysterious leak around the belts.  Does this
sound like something that I may be able to fix without involving
an expensive auto repair shop?  Do you have any suggestions
over the rest of the repairs I'm planning on making?  Thank you
for any suggestions you can provide.

Answer
Laura, the leak around the belts is probably the the water pump which is located behind the timing belt cover. It is a repair in which you may want an experienced tech to tackle. At the same time replace the timing belt seeing as you have to remove it to replace the water pump. Are you sure the thermostat is operating correctly? If it is you may have a concern with your head gasket. Hopefully not, but correct your overheating problem before anything to prevent needless part replacement. RICK