How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
This page explains how the Public Domain Literature Library and its service providers may use cookies, web beacons, local storage and similar technologies when you visit our catalogue. We respect your right to choose which optional technologies you permit, and we provide clear controls where applicable.
What Are Cookies
A cookie is a small text file stored on your device by your web browser. Cookies help websites remember information about your visit, such as your language preference or whether you have already accepted certain notices. They can be set by the site you are visiting (first-party cookies) or by other services whose features we have incorporated (third-party cookies).
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential (Strictly Necessary) Cookies
These cookies are required for the catalogue to function. They enable basic operations such as page navigation, secure access to your reading history (if you have chosen to create a local account), and remembering your cookie consent choice. Because they are necessary, they cannot be disabled through our cookie controls, but you may block them through your browser settings. Note that blocking essential cookies may cause parts of the catalogue to stop working.
Preference Cookies
Preference cookies allow us to remember choices you make — such as your preferred text display size, font style, or theme — so that you do not have to reset them each time you visit. These are first-party cookies and are not used for tracking. If you disable preference cookies, the catalogue will still work, but your customisations may not be retained between sessions.
Analytics Cookies (Where Enabled)
Where analytics cookies are enabled, we use a privacy-respecting analytics service to collect anonymous information about how visitors use the catalogue. This includes pages visited, time spent on each page, and general geographic region (at city level). The data helps us understand which books and reading notes are most popular, and how we can improve navigation. No personally identifiable information is collected. You may opt out of analytics cookies using the controls described below.
Advertising Cookies (Where Ads Are Displayed)
Some pages of the catalogue may display advertisements served by Google and its partners. Where ads are shown, Google may use cookies and web beacons to personalise ads based on your previous visits to this site and other websites. This is a third-party cookie technology. Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your interests. You can learn more about how Google uses data when you use our site by visiting policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites. You may opt out of personalised advertising by visiting adssettings.google.com.
Session and Persistent Cookies
Session cookies exist only while your browser is open and are deleted automatically once you close it. Persistent cookies remain on your device after you close your browser, until they expire or you delete them. The exact duration of persistent cookies varies; we do not set fixed expiration periods beyond what is necessary for the stated purpose. You can view and manage the lifespan of stored cookies through your browser’s developer tools or privacy settings.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage (also called DOM storage) to store small amounts of data on your device. Local storage is similar to cookies but can hold more information and is not automatically sent to the server with every request. We use local storage only for technical purposes such as caching interface preferences and improving page load performance. Local storage is under your control via browser settings.
Your Choices and Consent
When you first visit the catalogue, you will be presented with a cookie consent notice. For non-essential cookies (preferences, analytics, advertising), we request your explicit consent before they are set. You may accept all, reject all, or customise your preferences. Your choice is stored in an essential cookie so that we remember it on subsequent visits. You may withdraw or change your consent at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link available in the footer of every page.
How to Control Cookies Through Your Browser
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View which cookies are stored on your device and delete them individually.
- Block third-party cookies.
- Block all cookies (including essential ones), though this will impair catalogue functionality.
- Set the browser to clear all cookies when you close it.
Instructions vary by browser. Please consult your browser’s help section or visit aboutcookies.org for guidance.
Effect of Disabling Storage
If you disable all cookies and local storage, the catalogue will still load basic pages, but you may experience the following limitations:
- You will be asked to accept or reject cookies on every visit.
- Your reading progress, bookmarks, and customised display settings will not be saved.
- Embedded features such as ad-supported content may not display correctly.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or our practices. Any changes will be posted on this page, and where material, we may notify you through the catalogue.
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact our bibliographic consultant at editor@nmeer.com.