Our Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies

When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, we and certain third parties may place small data files on your device. This policy explains what those technologies are, why they are used, and how you can control them.

What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a small text file stored by your web browser. It helps a website remember your actions and preferences over time. Other technologies, such as local storage, work in a similar way. We refer to all of these collectively as “storage”.

Categories of Storage We Use

Essential Storage

Certain storage is strictly necessary for the catalogue to function. This includes remembering your session, maintaining security, and enabling you to navigate between pages without re‑logging in. These technologies do not require your prior consent and cannot be disabled through our site.

Preference Storage

Where you choose a reading mode, font size, or other personalisation, we may store that choice in your browser so that it persists across visits. This storage is not essential but improves your experience. It is used only for the preference you selected.

Analytics Storage (Where Enabled)

To understand how readers use the catalogue—which titles are most frequently viewed, how visitors arrive, and which pages are helpful—we may use analytics services that place cookies. These collect aggregated, anonymised data. We do not combine this information with personal identifiers. Analytics storage is used only where you have consented.

Advertising Storage (Where Advertisements Are Displayed)

Some pages of the catalogue may display advertisements provided by Google or other advertising partners. These partners may use cookies and similar technologies to show ads based on your visits to this site and other websites. This storage is used only where you have provided consent, and you may withdraw that consent at any time.

First‑Party and Third‑Party Storage

First‑party storage is set by the Public Domain Literature Library itself. Third‑party storage is set by services we use—for example, analytics providers or advertising networks. We do not control the data collection practices of these third parties. Where advertising technologies are enabled, Google may set cookies for ad personalisation and measurement. You can learn more about Google’s use of data at Google’s Privacy & Terms site.

Session and Persistent Storage

Session storage expires when you close your browser. Persistent storage remains on your device for a period determined by the technology provider. We do not specify fixed durations because they vary by provider and browser settings.

Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use local storage (sometimes called “DOM storage”) to remember your preferences or reading progress. This data stays on your device and is not automatically sent to our servers unless you perform an action that triggers a transmission.

Your Choices

When you first visit the catalogue, a banner or overlay will ask for your consent to non‑essential storage. You can accept all, decline all, or customise your preferences. If you later change your mind, you can adjust your settings through the “Cookie Preferences” link available in the footer of every page.

You may also control storage through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, disable local storage, or set exceptions for individual websites. Please note that disabling essential storage may prevent parts of the catalogue from working correctly—for example, you may be unable to maintain a reading session.

Withdrawal of Consent

If you have consented to analytics or advertising storage, you can withdraw that consent at any time by updating your preferences as described above. Withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Practical Effects of Disabling Storage

If you disable all cookies and local storage, the catalogue will still display public‑domain texts, but personalised features such as remembered reading progress, preferred font settings, and tailored recommendations will not be available. Some interactive elements may also behave differently.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or our practices. The current version will always be available on this page.

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact our Catalogue Editor, Sylvia Melville, at [email protected].