How This Site Uses Storage

When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, certain information may be stored on your device using cookies, local storage, and similar technologies. This page explains what storage is used, why, and how you can manage your choices.

Essential Storage

Some storage is strictly necessary for the site to function. This includes session cookies that remember your current visit, such as keeping you logged in if you have an account, or maintaining your selections as you browse the catalogue. These are typically first-party cookies that expire when you close your browser. Without them, core features like navigating between pages or accessing your reading list would not work. We do not require your consent for essential storage.

Preference and Functional Storage

We may store your preferences, such as your chosen display settings or language, so that they persist between visits. This is done using persistent cookies or local storage. For example, if you adjust the text size or enable a dark mode, that setting is saved on your device. This storage is not strictly essential but improves your experience. Where we rely on consent for non-essential storage, you may choose to allow or decline it.

Analytics Storage (Where Enabled)

We may use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with the catalogue—for instance, which stories are most frequently accessed, how long readers stay on a page, or what search terms are used. These tools may set first-party or third-party cookies that collect aggregated, anonymised data. We do not use analytics to identify you personally. Where analytics are enabled, you will be given a choice to opt in before any tracking cookies are placed.

Advertising Storage (Where Ads Are Displayed)

Some pages may display advertisements. Where ads are shown, we may use Google advertising technologies, including Google AdSense or Google Ad Manager, which may set cookies on your device to serve relevant ads, limit the number of times you see an ad, and measure ad performance. These cookies may be first-party or third-party and may be used for interest-based advertising. If advertising storage is enabled, you will be asked to consent before such cookies are placed. You can also manage your Google ad preferences through your Google account settings.

Third-Party Storage

Certain features, such as embedded videos or social media sharing buttons, may be provided by third-party services. These services may set their own cookies or use local storage when you interact with them. We do not control these technologies, and you should review the privacy policies of those third parties for more information.

Session and Persistent Storage

Session storage is temporary and is erased when you close your browser. Persistent storage remains on your device for a set period or until you manually delete it. We use both types depending on the purpose. For example, a session cookie may keep you logged in during a single visit, while a persistent cookie may remember your preference for how many catalogue entries to show per page.

Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use local storage (such as HTML5 localStorage) to store data on your device. This is similar to persistent cookies but can hold larger amounts of data and is not automatically sent to our server with every request. We use local storage for some functional settings and to improve performance.

Your Choices and Withdrawal of Consent

When you first visit the site, you will be shown a cookie banner or similar notice that allows you to accept or decline non-essential categories of storage. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of the site. If you previously consented and wish to withdraw that consent, you can do so through those settings. Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Browser Controls

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block or delete cookies, and you can set your browser to alert you when a cookie is being placed. However, please note that disabling essential cookies may prevent some parts of the site from working correctly. For example, you may not be able to log in or use certain interactive features. You can also clear local storage through your browser’s developer tools or settings.

Practical Effects of Disabling Storage

If you disable all cookies and local storage, the site will still function in a basic read-only mode. You will be able to browse the catalogue and read public-domain texts, but features that rely on remembering your preferences or session state—such as saving your place in a book, maintaining a reading list, or customising the display—will not be available. Analytics and advertising will also be disabled, which means you will not see personalised ads.

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact our Associate Editor, Samuel Conan, at editor@eqopi.com.