Virtual background question - Mac Mini Photos Library not accessible for Zoom

I’m trying to add virtual background photos from my Mac Mini - Tahoe 26.6.1, and the Photos Library folder is grayed out, and so no photos can be selected. I can, however, access photos from my in network PCs hard drive. I called Apple Support, and they assured me that it is not an Apple issue. Zoom has not asked for permission to access the photos, so I can’t grant it permission in the privacy and security>photos tab. I have uninstalled and re-installed the Zoom app, and even temporarily given full access to the folder to “everyone,” but there is no change in the grayed out folder, and Zoom has not requested permission from my Mac to access my photos. Anyone else have this problem, or is just me?