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It's certainly true that public library branches vary considerably in the size and amount of variety in their collections. I don't know what area you live in or whether it's urban, suburban, rural or whatever. In my case, if I want a specific book, I just add my name to a waiting list. I also make purchase suggestions (sometimes they accept them, sometimes not, but they always reply, indicating their decision). And then there's alway interlibrary loan.

Of course, none of the above suggestions are of much help if you like to just browse the stacks and select whatever catches your fancy that day - which I do a lot of! For general browsing, about all I can suggest is to visit various branches within your library system and see which ones are best for you. Many libraries also have second-hand bookshops within or attached to them. Their wares are usually very low-cost, sometimes with a few items that are free for the taking. And typically they're run by volunteers or are self-serve, and the proceeds typically go into enriching the library's collection budget, so it's win-win.