Information We Collect
When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers automatically record routine log data. This may include your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring pages, the pages you view, and the time and date of each request. We also collect information that you voluntarily provide, such as when you send a message through our contact form or adjust site preferences. This data helps us understand how readers interact with the catalogue, which editions and guides are most consulted, and how we can improve navigation across categories such as Poetry, Drama & Performance or Childhood Classics.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and understand how the catalogue is used. These may include session cookies, persistent cookies, and, where enabled, analytics cookies from third-party services. If advertising is displayed, we may use cookies and web beacons to deliver relevant ads and measure their performance. Third-party advertisers may also place cookies on your device. You can control cookie settings through your browser and adjust consent preferences where we provide a consent management tool. For example, a session cookie helps us remember your search filters while you explore works like The poetic Edda — Story, Setting & Ideas or Spenser's Faerie Queene volumes.
How We Use Your Information
We use the collected data to operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue; to remember your preferences; to respond to your inquiries; and, where applicable, to serve advertising and analyze usage trends. We do not sell your personal information to third parties. The information also helps us tailor reading recommendations and highlight related titles, such as pairing Gudrun — Inside the Classic with other epic narratives.
Third-Party Services
We may use third-party analytics providers and advertising networks (including Google advertising services where displayed). These providers may collect information about your visits across different websites. They have their own privacy policies governing the use of your data. We encourage you to review those policies. For instance, an analytics provider might help us understand which pages are most popular, such as The corsair; a romantic legend of Hell Gate or Land of play: Verses, rhymes, stories, so we can continue to offer relevant content.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information with service providers who help us operate the site, but only to the extent necessary for them to perform those services. We may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect our rights or the safety of others. We do not share data for purposes unrelated to the operation of the catalogue.
Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. We regularly review our security practices to align with industry standards.
Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law. Retention periods vary depending on the type of data and the context in which it was collected. For example, server logs may be retained for a limited period to analyze traffic patterns, while contact form submissions are kept only until your inquiry is resolved.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information where we hold it. You can also object to or restrict certain processing. Many browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. Where a consent mechanism is provided, you can withdraw or change your consent at any time. To exercise your rights, please contact us using the information below. We will respond to your request in a timely manner.
Children's Privacy
Our catalogue is not directed to children. 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 take appropriate steps. The catalogue includes classic works that may be of interest to younger readers, such as Our Old Nursery Rhymes or Ye butcher, ye baker, ye candlestick-maker — Key Ideas to Explore, but we do not target or collect data from children.
Third-Party Links
The site may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their policies before providing any personal information. For example, links to archival sources or scholarly editions are provided for convenience, but their data handling is outside our control.
International Access
If you access the catalogue from outside Canada, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Canada or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to such transfer. We take steps to ensure that any transferred data receives adequate protection.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically. Significant changes will be communicated through a notice on the site.