Introduction
Public Domain Literature Library respects your privacy. This policy describes what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. Our catalogue is an independent editorial project focused on public-domain literature and reading guides. We do not sell your personal data.
Information We Collect
Routine Server Logs
When you visit our site, our servers automatically record certain technical information. This includes your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, the pages you view, the date and time of your visit, and the website that referred you. We use this data to diagnose technical problems, maintain security, and understand general usage patterns.
Voluntary Messages
If you contact us via the email address provided on the site, we receive your email address and any information you choose to include. We use these messages solely to respond to your inquiry and improve our catalogue. We do not add you to a mailing list unless you explicitly request it.
Site Preferences
We may store small pieces of information on your device to remember your preferences, such as display options or reading settings. This data is not used to track you across other sites.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
Essential Cookies
We use essential cookies that are necessary for the basic functioning of the site, such as maintaining your session or remembering your cookie consent choice. These cookies do not require your prior consent.
Analytics
Where analytics are enabled, we use a privacy-respecting analytics service to collect aggregated, non-personal data about page views, visitor locations (at country level), and device types. This helps us understand which books and guides are most popular. The analytics provider may set their own cookies, but we have configured the service to anonymize IP addresses and limit data retention.
Advertising
If advertising is displayed on the site, we may use Google AdSense or similar services. These services may use cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites. This is called interest-based advertising. Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your browsing history. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings. We do not control the cookies set by advertising partners.
Third-Party Cookies
Some embedded content (such as videos or social media buttons) may set cookies from third-party providers. We do not control these cookies. You should check the relevant third party’s privacy policy for more information.
Web Beacons
We may include small, transparent images (web beacons) in our emails or on our site to confirm delivery and measure engagement. These do not collect personal information beyond what is already captured in server logs.
How We Use Your Information
We process your data only for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue.
- To respond to your communications.
- To analyze usage trends and preferences.
- To detect and prevent fraud or abuse.
- To comply with legal obligations.
Service Providers
We may share limited data with trusted service providers who assist us in hosting, analytics, or email delivery. These providers are contractually bound to use your data only for the services we request and to protect it with appropriate security measures.
Data Security
We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is completely secure.
Data Retention
We retain server logs and analytics data for a period necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, after which they are deleted or anonymized. Personal information from messages is retained only as long as needed to address your inquiry or as required by law.
Your Choices and Rights
Browser Controls
You can set your browser to block or delete cookies. Most browsers provide instructions in their help section. Please note that blocking essential cookies may affect site functionality.
Consent Controls
Where we rely on your consent for analytics or advertising cookies, you can withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences on our site.
Access, Correction, and Deletion
Depending on your location, you may have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you, correct inaccuracies, or request deletion. To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address below. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.
Opt-Out of Analytics
You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. For other analytics services, please refer to their respective opt-out mechanisms.
Children’s Privacy
Our catalogue is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us, and we will take steps to delete it.
External Links
Our site may contain links to external websites, such as digital archives or book retailers. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their policies before providing any personal information.
International Access
Our site is hosted in the United States. If you access it from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the U.S. or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to this transfer. We take steps to ensure that your data receives an adequate level of protection.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting a prominent notice on our site or by other appropriate means. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
Contact
If you have questions or concerns about this policy or your data, please contact us at: [email protected]