I would like to get into iPhoto looking for pictures from awhile back... thanks

I'll take a guess, as guessing is all we have when offered so little information. You've recently updated to Catalina?

iPhoto was discontinued 5 years ago. It is no longer developed or sold. It was replaced by the more powerful (and free) Photos.app that comes with the OS. You can migrate to that app very simply:

Hold down the option (or alt) key and launch Photos. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' and point at your iPhoto Library. It will do the rest.

If you prefer not to use Photos there are several 3rd party apps that you can use. Which to choose depends on the kind of photographer you are and your budget.

If I've guessed wrong... then by all means explain what's going on bearing in mind we can't see your machine much less read your mind.