Every time I travel, I try to make a habit of checking in to a local library. Librarians can be the best sources of information at any destination.

The new libraries being opened up around the world are spectacular destinations in and of themselves. In Austin, Texas, the Central Library has six floors and a great children’s program. It even has a seed library, where you can literally check out seeds to plant at home.

The Qatar National Library in Doha is an architectural masterpiece, housing almost one million books.

The Oslo Public Library in Norway, scheduled to open next spring, will be a landmark.

And one of my favorites is the New York Public Library in Manhattan.

So take a few hours and go every time you travel. You’ll be glad you did.