Our Use of 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 data we store on your device.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by your web browser when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember your actions or preferences over time. Other technologies, such as local storage, perform similar functions but may store data differently. We refer to all these technologies collectively as “storage” in this policy.
Essential Storage
Certain storage is necessary for the catalogue to function. This includes:
- Session cookies: Temporary identifiers that maintain your session as you browse, so you do not need to log in repeatedly or lose your place when navigating between pages.
- Local storage for preferences: Where enabled, we store your chosen display settings (such as font size or theme) locally so they persist across visits.
These essential technologies do not track you across other websites and are automatically deleted when you close your browser (session cookies) or remain only as long as needed for the setting (local storage).
Preference and Functionality Storage
We may use persistent cookies or local storage to remember choices you make, such as your language preference or whether you have dismissed a notice. This storage is set only if you interact with a feature that requires it, and it typically lasts for a limited period.
Analytics Storage (Where Enabled)
If analytics are enabled on this site, we may use a first-party analytics service to collect anonymised information about how visitors use the catalogue. This includes data such as pages visited, time spent on each page, and the referring website. The analytics provider may place a persistent cookie on your device to recognise you as a unique visitor across sessions. We use this information solely to improve the catalogue’s content and usability. No personal data is collected through analytics storage, and the data is not shared with third parties for their own purposes.
Advertising Storage (Where Ads Are Displayed)
Some pages of the catalogue may display advertisements provided by Google or other advertising networks. If advertising is enabled, Google may use cookies and similar technologies to serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites. This is known as interest-based advertising. The specific technologies used may include:
- Google Advertising Cookies: These cookies are set by Google’s ad serving systems and allow Google to measure the effectiveness of ads and personalise the ads you see.
- Third-party cookies: Advertisers or ad networks may place their own cookies on your device to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites.
We do not control the cookies set by Google or other ad networks. You can learn more about Google’s advertising practices and opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings page. Where no ads are displayed on a particular page, no advertising storage is used.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by the domain you are visiting (boqeq.com). Third-party cookies are set by a domain other than the one you are visiting, such as Google’s advertising systems. We use first-party cookies for essential and analytics purposes. Third-party cookies may be used only if advertising is displayed on the page you are viewing.
Session vs. Persistent Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. We use both types: session cookies for essential functions, and persistent cookies for preferences and analytics (if enabled). The exact duration of persistent cookies varies by purpose but is typically no longer than necessary for the feature to work.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage in your browser to store data such as reading progress or customisation settings. This data stays on your device and is not automatically transmitted to us. You can clear local storage through your browser settings.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit the catalogue, you may see a cookie consent notice that allows you to accept or decline non-essential storage. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our pages. Withdrawing consent for optional storage will not affect the functionality of the catalogue, though some features (such as saved preferences) may not work.
How to Control or Delete Storage
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies and local storage through their settings. You can typically:
- View which cookies are stored on your device.
- Block all or third-party cookies.
- Delete individual cookies or all stored data.
- Set your browser to notify you when a cookie is being set.
Please note that disabling essential storage may prevent the catalogue from working correctly. For example, you may be logged out frequently or lose your display preferences. For instructions specific to your browser, consult its help documentation.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable all cookies and local storage, you will still be able to browse the catalogue, but certain features will be unavailable. Specifically:
- You will need to log in each time you visit (if you have an account).
- Display preferences (e.g., font size) will reset to defaults each session.
- Analytics data will not be collected, which does not affect your experience.
- If ads are displayed, they will not be personalised, but you may still see generic ads.
We recommend allowing essential storage for the best experience.
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.