Core Viewpoint - Shanghai Library has issued a statement denying rumors about auctioning the Weng family's collection for profit, asserting that the collection has never been disposed of and is preserved for public service [1] Group 1: Collection Background - The Weng family collection, known for its historical significance, was established by Weng Xincun, a prominent figure in the Qing Dynasty, who began collecting books with the help of local bibliophiles [1][3] - The collection includes rare texts and manuscripts, with notable items such as the "Lankavatara Sutra," which is recognized for its artistic and historical value [3] Group 2: Transfer and Preservation - In 2000, 80 types and 542 volumes of the Weng family collection were sold to Shanghai Library for $4.5 million, following negotiations facilitated by Beijing's Jiadé Auction Company [5][7] - The collection is stored in specially designed boxes and has undergone digitization for preservation and public access, with exhibitions held to showcase its significance [7] Group 3: Legal and Ethical Considerations - Shanghai Library has warned against the spread of false information regarding the collection and has threatened legal action against those disseminating such rumors [1] - The library emphasizes its commitment to managing the collection in accordance with legal and ethical standards, ensuring its availability for educational and cultural purposes [1]

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai Library has issued a statement denying rumors about auctioning the Weng family's collection for profit, emphasizing that the collection has never been disposed of since its acquisition in 2000 [3][4]. Group 1: Collection Management - The Weng collection, consisting of rare ancient books, was transferred to Shanghai Library in April 2000 and has been preserved without any external disposal [4][5]. - The collection includes 80 types and 542 volumes, featuring editions from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with notable works being unique copies [7]. Group 2: Legal Actions - Shanghai Library has warned individuals spreading false information to cease their actions and will pursue legal accountability for such behaviors [3]. Group 3: Financial Support - The Shanghai municipal government provided $4.5 million in special funds to support the acquisition of the Weng collection, along with plans for digitization and publication [5].

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai Library and Shanghai Ancient Books Protection Center issued a statement denying rumors about auctioning the Weng collection for profit, asserting that the collection has never been disposed of since its acquisition in 2000 [1][2]. Group 1: Collection Management - The Weng collection, acquired in April 2000, consists of 80 titles and 542 volumes, including rare editions from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with notable works being unique copies [4]. - The collection has been preserved in the library's ancient books repository and is utilized for public service through exhibitions, lectures, and publications [1]. Group 2: Legal Actions - The library has warned individuals spreading false information to cease their actions and will pursue legal accountability for any infringement [1]. Group 3: Historical Context - The Weng collection is linked to Weng Tonghe, a prominent figure in late Qing politics, and has historical significance as one of the "Nine Great Collections" of the late Qing period [6]. - The collection was brought back to Shanghai after being in the U.S. for over half a century, with the Shanghai government investing $4.5 million for its return [6].

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai Library issued a statement denying rumors about auctioning the Weng collection for profit, emphasizing that the collection has been properly managed and preserved since its acquisition in 2000 [1][2]. Group 1 - The library has never disposed of the Weng collection in any form and has maintained it in its ancient books repository [1]. - The collection is utilized to serve the public through exhibitions, lectures, and publications [1]. - The library warns individuals spreading false information to cease their actions and will pursue legal accountability [2]. Group 2 - The statement serves as a formal declaration from Shanghai Library and the Shanghai Ancient Books Protection Center [4].