Information We Collect

When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, routine server logs automatically record certain technical details. These may include your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring pages, and the date and time of each request. We also collect information that you voluntarily provide, such as messages sent through our contact form or site preferences you select. This information helps us understand how the catalogue is used and allows us to respond to your inquiries.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies where enabled. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device. We may use session cookies to maintain your preferences during a visit, and persistent cookies to remember your choices across visits. Where advertising services are displayed, third-party advertisers may place their own cookies or web beacons on your device. These technologies help them deliver advertisements that may be relevant to your interests and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns. You can control cookie settings through your browser; blocking all cookies may affect some site features.

Analytics

Where enabled, we use analytics services to understand how visitors interact with the catalogue. These services may collect information such as pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns. The data is aggregated and used to improve the site, for example by identifying which sections are most popular or where readers encounter difficulties. We do not link analytics data to any personally identifiable information.

Advertising

Where advertising is displayed, we may participate in Google advertising services, including Google AdSense. Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other sites on the internet. You can learn more about Google’s practices and opt out of certain features by visiting the Google Advertising Privacy & Terms page. Additionally, you may see ads from other networks; each provider has its own privacy policy governing data use. We do not control the cookies placed by advertisers.

Purposes of Processing

We process your information to operate and maintain the catalogue, to respond to your inquiries, to improve the user experience, and to display relevant advertising where applicable. Our legal basis for processing is typically your consent (where required) or our legitimate interest in operating a free, publicly accessible literary resource. We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Service Providers

We may share your information with limited service providers who help us with hosting, analytics, and advertising. These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only for the purposes we specify and to protect it appropriately. We choose providers that adhere to recognized data protection standards.

Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. We encourage you to use caution when submitting sensitive information online.

Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Server logs are typically retained for a limited period and then anonymized or deleted. Contact form submissions are kept only as long as needed to address your inquiry.

Your Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. You can also opt out of personalized advertising by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page or the Google Ads Settings page. If you have submitted information through our contact form, you may request its deletion by emailing us. Please note that opting out does not mean you will no longer see ads; it means the ads may be less relevant to your interests.

Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal information, such as the right to access, correct, or delete it. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe. If you are in the European Economic Area, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete it. The catalogue is intended for general audiences and does not target children under the age of 13.

External Links

This site may contain links to external websites, including those of text sources, academic references, or other literary resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

International Access

This site is accessible from many countries. By using it, you consent to the transfer of your information to servers located in the United Kingdom, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country. We take steps to ensure that your information receives an adequate level of protection wherever it is processed.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at [email protected]. We welcome your feedback and will do our best to address your concerns promptly.

This policy may be updated from time to time. Please check this page periodically for changes. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.