Information We Collect

When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers automatically record routine log data: your IP address, browser type and version, device identifiers, the pages you request, and the time of each request. We also collect information you voluntarily provide, such as when you send a message to the editor, submit a catalogue suggestion, or set site preferences (for example, text size or display mode). This helps us understand how readers interact with our catalogue—whether you are exploring Essays in American history or browsing Letters on the equality of the sexes—and allows us to refine the experience.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

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How We Use Your Data

We use the information we collect to operate the catalogue, respond to your communications, analyse site traffic, and, where advertising is enabled, to support the delivery of relevant advertisements. We do not sell personal data to third parties. Limited data may be shared with service providers (such as hosting and analytics platforms) who act on our behalf and are contractually bound to protect your information. This data sharing is essential for maintaining the catalogue's availability and performance, whether you are reading Last letters from the living dead man or consulting Ten Essays on Zionism and Judaism.

Third-Party Services

This site may include content or features from third parties, such as embedded media or social sharing buttons. Those services may collect data independently. We encourage you to review their privacy policies. Where Google advertising services are displayed, Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visits to our site and other sites on the internet. You may opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings. Similarly, if you interact with social sharing features, the relevant social network may receive information about your activity on our site.

Data Security and Retention

We take reasonable measures to protect your data against unauthorised access, alteration, or destruction. We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. Retention periods vary depending on the type of data and the purpose of processing. For instance, log data may be retained for a limited period to analyse traffic patterns, while messages you send to the editor may be kept for the duration of our correspondence. We regularly review our data retention practices to ensure they remain appropriate.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to access, correct, or delete personal data we hold about you. You may also object to or restrict certain processing. Where consent is used, you may withdraw it at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can also use industry opt-out tools for advertising cookies. We are committed to respecting your choices and will respond to your requests without undue delay.

Children’s Privacy

Our catalogue is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can take appropriate steps. Our content, including works such as A Sermon Preach'd upon the Occasion of the Anniversary Thanksgiving, is generally suitable for all ages, but we encourage parents to supervise their children's online activities.

International Access

This site is operated from Ireland. If you access it from outside Ireland, your data may be transferred to and processed in Ireland or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the site, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred to jurisdictions that may not have equivalent data protection laws. We take steps to ensure that any such transfers comply with applicable legal requirements and that your data remains protected.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page. Your continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

Contact

If you have questions about this policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please write to [email protected]. We welcome your feedback and will do our best to address your concerns promptly.