Our Approach to Cookies and Similar Technologies
This page explains how the Public Domain Literature Library uses cookies, local storage, and similar technologies when you visit our catalogue. We respect your privacy and aim to be transparent about the small data files that may be placed on your device.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored by your web browser on your computer, tablet, or phone. They allow a site to recognise your device and remember certain information about your visit. Other technologies, such as local storage and web beacons, work in a similar way. Where this policy refers to “cookies,” it includes these technologies unless stated otherwise.
Categories of Cookies We Use
Essential (Strictly Necessary) Cookies
These cookies are required for the catalogue to function. They enable core features such as secure browsing, session management, and remembering your cookie preferences. Without these, the site cannot operate correctly. Essential cookies do not require your prior consent.
Preference Cookies
Where enabled, preference cookies remember choices you make—such as text size, language selection, or display settings—so that your experience remains consistent across visits. These are optional; if you disable them, some personalisation may not be retained.
Analytics Cookies
We may use analytics services (including, where applicable, Google Analytics) to collect anonymous information about how visitors interact with the catalogue. This helps us understand which pages are most popular, how users navigate, and what improvements might be helpful. Analytics cookies are non-essential and are only used where you have consented.
Advertising Cookies
If advertising is displayed on certain pages, third-party advertising networks—including Google Advertising Products—may place cookies on your device to serve relevant ads, limit the frequency of ad display, and measure campaign effectiveness. These cookies may track your browsing across different websites. Advertising cookies are used only where you have given consent.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by the catalogue itself and are used for essential functions and preferences. Third-party cookies are set by services we use, such as analytics providers or advertising networks. We do not control how third parties use their cookies; we encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Session and Persistent Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a period determined by the cookie’s expiration setting or until you manually delete them. The exact duration varies per cookie; we do not set arbitrary fixed durations beyond what is technically necessary.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage to store data such as reading progress or interface preferences. Local storage remains on your device until cleared by you or by the application. It is not automatically transmitted to our servers unless you take an action that triggers a save.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit the catalogue, a banner or similar notice informs you about the use of optional cookies. By continuing to use the site after this notice, or by clicking “Accept,” you consent to the use of analytics and advertising cookies where they are enabled. If you decline, only essential cookies will be placed. You may change your preferences at any time by accessing the cookie settings link provided in the site footer.
Withdrawal of Optional Consent
If you previously consented to non-essential cookies, you can withdraw that consent by updating your cookie preferences via the settings link. Withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the site.
Browser Controls
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually block or delete cookies entirely, or configure your browser to alert you when a cookie is set. Instructions vary by browser; consult your browser’s help section for details. Please be aware that blocking all cookies, including essential ones, may prevent the catalogue from working properly.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable cookies or local storage, some features of the catalogue may be unavailable. For example, you may need to re-enter preferences on each visit, and certain interactive elements may not function. Essential cookies cannot be disabled without affecting the site’s core operation.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically.
Contact
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact our the catalogue project listed on our contact page.