How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
This policy explains how the Public Domain Literature Library (nuequ.com) uses cookies, web storage, and similar technologies when you visit our catalogue. We respect your privacy and aim to be transparent about the data that may be stored 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 help the site remember your actions and preferences over time. Other technologies, such as local storage and session storage, serve similar purposes. We refer to all of these collectively as “storage.”
Categories of Storage We Use
Essential Storage
Certain storage is strictly necessary for the catalogue to function. This includes, for example, remembering your session so that you can navigate between pages without having to re-identify yourself, and maintaining security settings. These technologies do not require your prior consent and cannot be disabled through our site. They are typically session-based and are deleted when you close your browser.
Preference Storage
We may store your preferences, such as your chosen display settings or language selection, so that they persist across visits. This storage is not essential but improves your experience. Where we use it, we will ask for your consent before placing these cookies unless they are considered strictly necessary under applicable law.
Analytics Storage (Where Enabled)
We may use first-party analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with our catalogue, such as which pages are most frequently read, how long visitors stay, and whether they encounter errors. This information helps us improve the site. Where analytics storage is enabled, we will seek your consent. The data collected is aggregated and anonymised where possible. We do not share raw analytics data with third parties except as necessary to operate the analytics service (e.g., our hosting provider).
Advertising Storage (Where Ads Are Displayed)
If advertisements are displayed on the catalogue, we may use Google advertising technologies, including Google AdSense or similar services, to serve relevant ads. These services may place cookies and use web beacons to track your visits across websites and build a profile of your interests. This storage is used only with your consent. You can withdraw consent at any time via the cookie consent banner or your browser settings. We do not control the specific cookies set by Google; please refer to Google’s privacy policy for details.
First-Party and Third-Party Storage
First-party storage is set directly by the Public Domain Literature Library. Third-party storage may be set by services we use, such as Google for advertising or analytics. We do not permit any other third party to set cookies on our site without your consent.
Session and Persistent Storage
Session storage is temporary and expires when you close your browser. Persistent storage remains on your device for a set period or until you delete it. The exact duration varies by cookie and is determined by the service that sets it. We do not specify fixed durations here because they may change; you can inspect individual cookies in your browser’s developer tools or cookie manager.
Local Storage
We may use HTML5 local storage for certain features, such as remembering your reading progress or saved bookmarks. This data stays on your device and is not automatically transmitted to our servers unless you perform an action that triggers a save (e.g., clicking “save bookmark”). Local storage is generally persistent.
Your Choices and Withdrawal of Consent
When you first visit the catalogue, a cookie consent banner will inform you about the storage we use and ask for your consent where required. You can accept or decline non-essential categories. If you later change your mind, you can withdraw consent by clearing your cookies and local storage via your browser settings, or by using the “manage consent” link available on our site (if provided). Please note that withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block all cookies, delete existing cookies, or set preferences for specific websites. However, disabling essential storage may prevent the catalogue from working correctly. For example, you may not be able to log in or use certain interactive features. We recommend that you leave essential storage enabled.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable all non-essential storage, the catalogue will still function for reading and browsing public-domain works. However, personalised features such as saved preferences, bookmarks, and reading progress will not persist between sessions. Analytics will not track your activity, and no advertising cookies will be set. You may see the same generic ads (if any) repeatedly.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the technologies we use or legal requirements. The current version will always be available on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically.
Contact
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact the catalogue project at the email address provided on our contact page.