How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
This page explains how the Public Domain Literature Library and its service providers use cookies, web beacons, local storage, and similar technologies when you visit our catalogue. It describes the types of information collected, the purposes for which it is used, and your choices regarding that use.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device when you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the site owner. Other technologies, such as local storage, serve similar purposes.
Categories of Storage We Use
Essential Storage
Certain cookies and local storage items are strictly necessary for the operation of our catalogue. They enable core functions such as maintaining your session as you browse different pages, remembering items you have added to your reading list, and ensuring secure access to any account features if you choose to register. Because these technologies are essential, they do not require your prior consent. They are set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or filling in forms.
Preference Storage
We use cookies and local storage to remember choices you make, such as your preferred text size, display theme, or language. These preferences are stored on your device and are retrieved during subsequent visits so that we can provide a more personalised experience. If you disable these storage technologies, some parts of the catalogue may not function as intended, and you may need to reset your preferences each time you visit.
Analytics Storage (Where Enabled)
Where analytics services are enabled, we use first-party cookies and similar technologies to collect aggregated, anonymised information about how visitors use our catalogue. This includes data on which pages are most frequently visited, how long users spend on a page, and whether they encounter error messages. We use this information to improve the catalogue’s performance, content, and usability. These technologies collect only aggregated data and do not identify individual users. You may opt out of analytics storage through your browser settings or via any consent mechanism we provide.
Advertising Storage (Where Enabled)
If advertising is displayed on the catalogue, we or our advertising partners (including Google and its affiliates) may use cookies and web beacons to deliver relevant advertisements, measure the effectiveness of ad campaigns, and prevent the same ad from appearing too frequently. These technologies may collect information about your browsing activity across different websites and over time. Where such advertising technologies are used, we will seek your consent before placing non-essential advertising cookies. You may withdraw your consent at any time through our consent management tool or by adjusting your browser settings.
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by us directly on your device. Third-party cookies are set by domains other than iyewe.com. For example, if we use Google advertising services, Google may set cookies on your device when you view an advertisement. We do not control the data collection practices of third parties, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies for more information.
Session and Persistent Storage
Some cookies and storage items are temporary and expire when you close your browser (session storage). Others remain on your device for a longer period, as determined by their expiration settings, to remember your preferences or for analytics and advertising purposes across visits (persistent storage). The exact duration varies by technology and purpose; you can view and control these durations through your browser’s developer tools or settings.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage (including HTML5 localStorage) to store data on your device. Local storage is similar to cookies but can hold larger amounts of data and is not automatically sent to the server with each request. We use local storage for purposes such as saving your reading progress, preferences, and items in your reading list. Local storage is not essential for browsing the catalogue but enhances your experience.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit our catalogue, we may present a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential storage categories (analytics and advertising, where enabled). You may change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link available in the footer of every page. Withdrawing consent for a category will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
You can also control cookies and local storage through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies and to manage local storage. However, please be aware that disabling essential storage may prevent some parts of the catalogue from functioning correctly, including the ability to log in or maintain your reading list.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you choose to disable all cookies and local storage, you will still be able to browse the catalogue, but certain features will be unavailable. For example, you will not be able to save your reading preferences, maintain a reading list across sessions, or see personalised recommendations. Analytics and advertising functionalities will also be disabled. We recommend allowing essential and preference storage for the best experience.
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 if the changes are significant, we will provide a more prominent notice. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.