What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your actions and preferences over time. This page explains how Historical Children’s Library uses cookies and similar technologies.
Essential Cookies
We use essential cookies to enable core functionality such as secure login, session management, and catalogue navigation. These cookies are necessary for the service to work and cannot be disabled. They are typically first-party, session-based cookies that expire when you close your browser. Without them, pages would not load correctly, and you would not be able to move through the catalogue or access your account.
Preference Cookies
Where enabled, preference cookies remember your choices such as text size, display settings, or language. These are persistent cookies that remain on your device for a limited period. Disabling them may affect your experience but will not break the site. For instance, if you select a larger font for reading a classic like Æsop's fables in words of one syllable, a preference cookie can store that setting so you do not have to adjust it each time.
Analytics Cookies
We may use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with the catalogue, including which pages are most popular and how users navigate. This data is aggregated and anonymous. Where enabled, these cookies are provided by a third-party analytics service and are subject to their privacy policy. The information helps us improve the site, for example by identifying that many readers enjoy the Campfire Girls' Lake Camp edition insights, so we can feature similar content. You can opt out of analytics cookies through your browser settings or our consent tool.
Advertising Cookies
If advertisements are displayed on the site, we may use advertising cookies from Google and other ad technology providers to deliver relevant ads, measure ad performance, and prevent repeated ads. These cookies may be set by third parties and can track your browsing across different websites. For example, if you have previously looked at books about maritime adventures, you might see an ad for a related title. You can manage your advertising preferences through the Google Ads Settings page or via our consent management platform.
Third-Party Cookies
Some pages may embed content from third-party services (such as video players or social media buttons). These services may set their own cookies. We do not control these cookies, and you should check the privacy policies of those providers for details. For instance, if a page about Our trip to Blunderland includes a video from an external platform, that platform may place cookies on your device.
Session and 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. We use both types where appropriate, but we do not specify fixed durations because they may vary. Session cookies help maintain your login status while you browse the catalogue, while persistent cookies can store your preference for viewing Uncle Wiggily's rolling hoop in a particular format.
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage (such as HTML5 localStorage) to store data on your device for similar purposes. This technology is used where cookies are not suitable and can be cleared through your browser settings. For example, local storage might be used to cache parts of the catalogue so that pages like Quarterdeck and Fok'sle: Stories of the Sea load faster on subsequent visits.
Your Consent Choices
When you first visit the site, you may be presented with a consent banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer. Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. We respect your choice and will only set the cookies you have agreed to.
Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block or delete cookies, and choose whether to accept new ones. However, disabling essential cookies may prevent the site from functioning properly. For detailed instructions, consult your browser’s help section. You can also clear local storage via your browser's developer tools or privacy settings.
Practical Effects of Disabling Storage
If you disable cookies or local storage, some features of the catalogue may not work as intended. For example, you may need to log in again each visit, preferences may not be saved, and certain embedded content may not display. The core reading experience will remain available, but personalisation will be limited. You will still be able to read Daddy Jake the Runaway or browse the Childrens Adventures category, but settings like text size may revert to default.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
Contact
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact our Senior Editor, The Editorial Team Ahuel, at [email protected].