Effective maintenance and evolution of libraries require a deep understanding of their original intent and functionality. By thoroughly analyzing the codebase, one can clarify the library's purpose and identify unnecessary components that may detract from its core function. This process involves recognizing opportunities to streamline and consolidate features, ensuring that each library focuses on its primary objectives without extraneous elements. Additionally, it's important to challenge common perceptions or limitations placed on widely-used tools, as seen with libraries like Jinja, which can be versatile beyond their typical applications.