Lost most of iPhoto library/iPhoto won't open

First, we recently somehow lost our daughter's prom pictures from both iPhoto and devices. So I thought I should check to see if Time Machine was working (250MB Lacie external) and it wasn't. Thought I had better back up what was on Lacie to hard drive then back to Lacie then make Lacie our Time machine backup.  When I transferred the photos I thought I was asked if I wanted to keep the old pix or keep the new ones. I thought it meant duplicate pix but it apparently meant the whole photo file. Fortunately we have backed our photos to CD/DVD at the end of each year but lost most 2013 photos.
Next, when I try to open iPhoto I get the messsage: "To open your library with this version of iPhoto, it first needs to be prepared.
To prepare the library, use the iPhoto Library Upgrader available from Apple." with 2 buttons "Learn More" and "Quit" So I downloaded the upgrader but I have a later version of iPhoto so it had no effect. It just goes round and round after that.
I'm hoping someone can help here before calling Apple. We bought the 3 year AppleCare package but would prefer to see solutions in writing first.
Thanks

Assuming you have iPhoto 9 (11) or later  apply the two fixes below in order as needed: 
Fix #1
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
Since only one option can be run at a time start with Option #3, followed by #4 and then #1 as needed.
Fix #2
Using iPhoto Library Manager  to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
2 - click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
3 - Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File ➙ Rebuild Library menu option.
4 - In the next  window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
5 - Click on the Create button.
Note: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments.  However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
OT

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