diff --git a/tagstudio/src/qt/ts_qt.py b/tagstudio/src/qt/ts_qt.py
index 02dbbad50..28730b454 100644
--- a/tagstudio/src/qt/ts_qt.py
+++ b/tagstudio/src/qt/ts_qt.py
@@ -1118,6 +1118,9 @@ def update_badges(self, grid_item_ids: Sequence[int] = None):
             self.item_thumbs[grid_idx].refresh_badge(entry)
 
     def filter_items(self, filter: FilterState | None = None) -> None:
+        if not self.lib.library_dir:
+            logger.info("Library not loaded")
+            return
         assert self.lib.engine
 
         if filter: