IPhoto Library disappeared. Now unreadable?

Okay, here's exactly what happened.
I had moved my iPhoto library to an external firewire drive and everything was groovy.
Yesterday, I had downloaded new pix and everything was groovy.
Then - at some point my firewire drive became accidentally disconnected. Bad I know, but I moved on.
My iPhoto was opened at the time. And a closed out of it while the drive was disconnected.
Things were no longer groovy. As I re-opened iPhoto it said I had no photos.
I tried to relocate the library and I couldn't open it.
Now, when I try to open import the pix from my drive it says: I can not import cuz the file is in iPhoto.
I know my pix are there in modified and originals...but I can't get them to open.
What doI do?

BC Baroo
I'm guessing that he disconnect happened while iPhoto was trying to write to the database, and the db is now corrupted.
Options: Do you have a current back up? if so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from it to the library folder. If not, your only option will be to create and populate a new library.
To create and populate a new library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same film rolls and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, books, calendars etc.
Hold down the option (or alt) key and Launch iPhoto. Choose Create to make and place a new library.
Go into the old iPhoto Library Folder and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual rolls to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.
When you're sure all is well you can delete the old iPhoto Library Folder.
In the future, in addition to your usual back up routine, you might like to make a copy of the library6.iPhoto file whenever you have made changes to the library as protection against database corruption.
Regards
TD

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