Our Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies
This policy explains how Public Domain Literature Library (operating at beqox.com) uses cookies, web beacons, local storage, and similar technologies when you visit our catalogue. We aim to be transparent about what we store and why, and to give you meaningful choices where appropriate.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your device (computer, tablet, or phone) when you visit. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to site operators. Other technologies, such as local storage and session storage, perform similar functions.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the catalogue to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set only in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site may not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Preference Cookies
Preference cookies allow us to remember choices you make (such as your preferred language, text size, or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you disable these cookies, some of our functionality may not work as intended.
Analytics Cookies
Where enabled, we use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our catalogue—for example, which pages are visited most often, how users navigate between sections, and whether they encounter errors. This information helps us improve the site’s performance and usability. These cookies collect aggregated, anonymised data. We do not combine analytics data with other information that could identify you personally.
Advertising Cookies
If we display advertisements on the catalogue, we may use advertising cookies—including those from Google’s advertising services—to make ads more relevant to you. These cookies track your browsing across websites and build a profile of your interests. They are set by third-party ad networks with our permission. You can opt out of interest-based advertising through your browser settings or via industry opt-out tools such as the Network Advertising Initiative or Your Online Choices. We do not control these third-party cookies; please review the relevant provider’s privacy policy for more information.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by our domain (beqox.com) and are used only by us. Third-party cookies are set by domains other than ours—for example, analytics providers or advertising networks. We do not control third-party cookies; they are governed by the privacy policies of the respective providers. Where we use Google advertising services, Google may set cookies on your device for ad personalisation and measurement.
Session vs. Persistent Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them manually. The duration of persistent cookies varies by purpose: essential cookies may last only as long as your session, while preference and analytics cookies may persist for a few months. Advertising cookies may have longer durations set by the third-party provider.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage (e.g., HTML5 localStorage) to store data on your device. This is used for similar purposes as cookies—for example, to remember your preferences or to cache content for faster loading. Local storage is not automatically sent to our servers; it remains on your device unless cleared by you.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit our catalogue, we present a cookie consent notice that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies (analytics and advertising). Essential cookies are always set, as they are necessary for the site to operate. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our pages.
Withdrawing Optional Consent
If you previously accepted non-essential cookies and wish to withdraw your consent, you can do so via the “Cookie Settings” link. Alternatively, you can clear cookies and local storage through your browser settings. Please note that withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically block or delete cookies, or set your browser to alert you when a cookie is placed. Local storage can also be cleared via browser developer tools or settings. Be aware that disabling essential cookies may impair the functionality of the catalogue, and disabling analytics cookies may prevent us from improving your experience.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable all cookies and local storage, you may not be able to use certain features of the catalogue, such as saving your reading preferences, maintaining a session, or viewing personalised content. The site will still function in a basic mode, but your experience may be less efficient.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We encourage you to review this page periodically for the latest information.