How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
This page explains how the Public Domain Literature Library and its service providers use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies when you visit our catalogue. We respect your privacy and provide you with choices where optional technologies are in use.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your device during your visit. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to the site owner. Other technologies, such as local storage and similar data stores, function in a comparable way and are treated the same for the purposes of this policy.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the catalogue to function. They enable core features such as navigating between pages, remembering your progress through a book, and keeping your session secure. Without these cookies, the site cannot operate properly. Essential cookies are always active and do not require your consent.
Preference Cookies
Preference cookies allow the catalogue to remember choices you make, such as your preferred reading mode (e.g., light or dark display), font size, or language. These cookies improve your experience by personalising your visit. Where enabled, we may use local storage to store your preferences so they persist across sessions.
Analytics Cookies
Where enabled, we use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with the catalogue. This helps us improve the site by learning which pages are most popular, how users navigate, and whether any features are difficult to use. The information collected is aggregated and anonymised wherever possible. You may opt out of analytics cookies through your browser settings or our consent controls.
Advertising Cookies
Where advertisements are displayed on the catalogue, we may use advertising cookies (including those provided by Google advertising services) to deliver relevant ads, measure their performance, and prevent you from seeing the same ad repeatedly. These cookies track your browsing activity across different websites. You can withdraw your consent for advertising cookies at any time.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by us and are used only by the Public Domain Literature Library. Third-party cookies are set by domains other than ours. For example, if we display ads from Google, Google may place its own cookies on your device. We do not control third-party cookies, and their use is governed by the respective third party’s privacy policy.
Session and Persistent Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to maintain your session while you are active on the site. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They allow the site to remember your preferences and actions across visits. The actual duration of persistent cookies varies depending on their purpose.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage to store data on your device. Local storage functions similarly to persistent cookies but can hold larger amounts of data. We use local storage primarily to save your reading preferences and your place in a book. This data remains on your device and is not automatically sent to us.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit the catalogue, you will be presented with a consent notice that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies (analytics and advertising). You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link available in the footer of every page. Withdrawing consent for optional cookies will not affect the functionality of the site, though some features may be limited.
How to Control Cookies Through Your Browser
Most web browsers allow you to manage your cookie preferences through their settings. You can typically block or delete cookies entirely, or set your browser to alert you when a cookie is placed. Please note that disabling essential cookies may prevent the catalogue from working correctly. For detailed instructions, consult your browser’s help documentation.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable cookies and local storage in your browser, the Public Domain Literature Library will still function in a basic manner, but you may lose certain conveniences. For example, your reading progress will not be saved between sessions, and your display preferences will reset each time you visit. Additionally, if you opt out of analytics cookies, we will still collect essential data required for site operation, but we will not gather usage statistics.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and if the changes are significant, we will notify you via a notice on the catalogue.