Privacy Policy
Effective September 8, 2026. The Speculative Library is independently owned and operated.
Visitor statistics
The library records random browser and session identifiers, page-view timestamps, first and most recent visits, visit counts, broad country and region, device category, and the referring website’s hostname. These records support the public visitor dashboard, including repeat visits and active readers. A distinct reader represents a browser identifier and may not represent a distinct person.
The visitor database does not store names, email addresses, IP addresses, precise coordinates, full referring URLs, or library card details. Hosting and network providers may process IP addresses and other connection information to deliver and secure the service. Broad location comes from hosting-provider request information.
Cookies and browser storage
A first-party visitor cookie can last up to one year. Local browser storage also holds a visitor identifier, your chosen Libby library identifier, and cached book metadata, covers, and prices. Local storage remains until cleared or replaced. Clearing site cookies and storage removes these local records and can make a later visit count as a new reader; it does not delete records already stored on the server.
Retention and public information
Visitor and page-view records currently have no scheduled deletion period. Inactive presence sessions older than one day are removed during later visits. The public dashboard displays counts and geographic, referral, and device summaries. Small counts can reveal that a reader from a particular region is active. Raw browser identifiers are not displayed in the dashboard.
Book data and external services
Your browser requests book information or images from services including Google Books, Open Library, Wikipedia, and Unsplash. Those requests may disclose your IP address, browser information, and the requested resource to the provider. Hardcover ratings are retrieved through the library’s server integration. Each provider applies its own privacy practices.
Links to Bookshop.org, Google Play Books, Goodreads, Libby, and other websites take you to services with their own policies. Libby sign-in and borrowing take place with Libby. The library stores your public library identifier, never your library card number, PIN, or Libby password.
Affiliate purchases
Bookshop links include affiliate ID 128228. Bookshop may use cookies to attribute qualifying purchases to the site owner. Bookshop handles checkout, payment information, shipping, and orders. This site does not process payments. See the Affiliate Disclosure for details.
Owner access
Owner controls use sign-in information to authorize administrative actions. Credentials for the owner’s ratings integration are stored on the server. Public readers do not need to provide those credentials.
Your choices and policy updates
You can clear or block cookies and browser storage through your browser settings. Blocking storage can affect saved preferences and visitor counts. The site currently has no dedicated analytics opt-out control. Changes to these practices will be reflected here with an updated effective date.
Responsible operator: The Speculative Library.