Reappearing App Library Search Box iPad OS 17

Hi, sincere apologies if this has been asked already. I just got a new iPad mini 5 because many of the apps I've been running on my 7th gen iPod touch aren't working any longer since those guys can go no higher than iOS 15. It's my first time working with iPad OS after many years using iOS on various iPhones. I've run into a problem where my App Library search box keeps popping up, no matter what I'm trying to do in any app, and I can't figure out how to stop it. It's getting in the way whenever I try to run any app. Is there something I can do to stop this from happening? Also, I've been looking around to see if there are any tips for how to deal with the differences between iOS and iPad OS, but haven't found too much. I'm looking forward to using my new iPad very much so am anxious for any help I can get.