Information We Collect
When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, routine server logs may record basic technical information such as your Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type and version, operating system, referring pages, and the date and time of each request. This data is used to maintain the security and stability of the catalogue and to understand general usage patterns.
If you choose to contact us via the provided email address, we will receive any information you voluntarily include in your message, such as your name and email address. We use this only to respond to your inquiry and do not add it to any marketing list.
We may store certain preferences in your browser (such as display settings or reading options) using local storage or similar mechanisms. These remain on your device and are not transmitted to us unless you explicitly submit them.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
Like many websites, we may use cookies—small text files placed on your device—to remember your preferences and improve your experience. These may include session cookies that expire when you close your browser and persistent cookies that remain for a limited period.
Where enabled, we may use analytics services (such as Google Analytics) that set their own cookies to measure how visitors interact with the catalogue. These services collect aggregated data about page views, navigation paths, and device types, and they may associate this information with your IP address. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
If advertising is displayed on the catalogue, third-party ad networks (including Google AdSense) may use cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other sites. These technologies enable them to recognize your browser and gather information about your browsing activity. Google’s use of cookies in advertising is described in Google’s Advertising Privacy Policy.
We do not control the cookies set by third-party analytics or advertising providers. Please review their privacy policies for detailed information.
Web Beacons
Web beacons (also known as pixel tags) may be included in pages or emails to track engagement, such as whether an email was opened. These are typically used by analytics or advertising services and may collect information like the IP address of the device that loaded the page.
How We Use Your Information
We process the information described above for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue and its features.
- To diagnose technical problems and ensure security.
- To understand how readers use the catalogue and to tailor content accordingly.
- Where advertising is displayed, to support the availability of free literary works.
We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We may share aggregated, non-personally identifiable information publicly or with service providers.
Service Providers
We may engage trusted third-party service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, advertising) who have access to your information only to perform specific tasks on our behalf. They are contractually obligated to protect your data and may not use it for any other purpose.
Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain server logs and analytics data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described above, after which they are securely deleted or anonymized. Personal information from voluntary messages is retained only for the duration needed to address your inquiry.
Your Choices and Rights
You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies, but doing so may affect the functionality of the catalogue. You can opt out of interest-based advertising from Google by visiting Google Ad Settings.
Depending on your location, you may have rights under applicable privacy laws, including the right to access, correct, delete, or port your personal data, and the right to object to or restrict processing. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the email address provided on the site. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law.
Children’s Privacy
The catalogue is not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.
External Links
The catalogue may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
International Access
The Public Domain Literature Library is operated from the United States. If you access the catalogue from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the catalogue, you consent to such transfer and processing.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and your continued use of the catalogue after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at the email address listed on the catalogue’s contact page.