How We Use Cookies and Similar Storage

This catalogue relies on small text files and similar technologies to help the site function, remember your preferences, and understand how readers use the collection. This policy explains what storage we set, why we set it, and how you can control it.

Essential Storage

Certain storage is strictly necessary to deliver the pages you request. This includes session cookies that keep your browsing secure and functional cookies that allow the site to remember your choice about optional storage. These essential items do not require your prior consent, but they cannot be disabled without affecting the site’s basic operation. For example, without a session cookie, the site would not be able to maintain your login state or keep your selections during a visit.

Preference Storage

Where enabled, we may store your display preferences — such as text size or a chosen category view — so that your next visit reflects those choices. This storage is not strictly essential but is intended to improve your experience. You may withdraw consent for this use at any time through your browser settings. If you decline preference storage, the site will use default settings each time you visit.

Analytics Storage

If analytics cookies are active on your device, they help us count visits, see which pages are most popular, and learn how readers navigate the catalogue. The data collected is aggregated and does not identify you personally. These cookies are set only with your prior consent, and you may revoke that consent at any time. The insights we gain allow us to improve the catalogue's structure and content, for instance by identifying which reading companions or edition insights are most valued.

Advertising Storage

On pages where advertisements are displayed, we may use cookies and other technologies provided by Google and its partners. These advertising cookies help show you ads that are more relevant to your interests and measure the performance of ad campaigns. They are set only with your explicit consent. You can withdraw consent for advertising storage at any time, and the ads you see may then become less relevant. Note that the catalogue itself does not sell your data to advertisers; the ad networks operate independently under their own policies.

First-Party and Third-Party Storage

Some storage is set directly by this site (first-party) and is used solely for the purposes described above. Other storage may be set by third-party services — such as analytics or advertising providers — and is governed by their own privacy and cookie policies. We do not control these third-party technologies. For example, if you consent to analytics, a third-party analytics provider may set cookies that we cannot access or manage directly.

Session and Persistent Storage

Session storage is temporary and disappears when you close your browser. Persistent storage remains on your device for a period determined by the storage provider, unless you delete it earlier. The exact duration varies by purpose and provider. For instance, a preference cookie might persist for a year, while an analytics cookie may expire after two years.

Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we may use local storage in your browser to remember certain settings or preferences. This data stays on your device and is not automatically sent to our servers. You can clear local storage through your browser settings. Local storage is often used for larger amounts of data than cookies can hold, such as cached page layouts.

Your Consent and Withdrawal

When you first visit this site, you will be asked to consent to optional storage categories. You may accept or decline each category. If you later change your mind, you can adjust your choices by clearing your cookies and reloading the site, or by using the consent management tool if one is available. Withdrawing consent for analytics or advertising storage will not affect the essential functions of the catalogue. The consent banner will reappear after you clear your cookies, allowing you to make new choices.

Browser Controls

Most browsers allow you to view, block, or delete cookies and other storage on a per-site basis. You can also set your browser to refuse all third-party cookies or to notify you when a cookie is set. Please note that disabling essential storage may prevent certain parts of the site from working correctly. For guidance, consult your browser’s help section. Common browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge each have their own cookie management settings.

Practical Effects of Disabling Storage

If you disable all cookies and local storage, you will still be able to browse the catalogue and read public-domain ebooks, but some features — such as remembering your preferred category or text size — will not persist between visits. Analytics and advertising storage, if previously consented to, will no longer operate. You may also need to re-enter preferences each time you visit.

This policy forms part of our commitment to transparency about the technologies used on this independent ebook catalogue. If you have questions about how we handle data, please contact our acquisitions editor at the address listed on our contact page.