Cookies Policy

Introduction

The Sofia City Library is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we use cookies and similar technologies on our website. This Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, the types of cookies we employ, and how you can control your cookie preferences in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Consent Mode v2 requirements.

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit our website. They help us recognize your device and remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language and other settings. Cookies enable us to provide you with a better, more personalized experience while using our library services online.

These files contain anonymous information and do not personally identify you. However, they do help us understand how you interact with our website, allowing us to improve our services and provide relevant content tailored to your interests and needs.

Types of Cookies We Use

How We Use Cookies

The Sofia City Library uses cookies for several important purposes:

• Authentication: To verify your identity when accessing library account features and digital resources
• Personalization: To remember your preferences, such as language settings, search filters, and display options
• Security: To protect against fraudulent activity and maintain the security of our systems
• Performance Monitoring: To analyze website performance and identify technical issues
• Content Optimization: To understand which library resources and services are most valuable to our users
• User Experience Enhancement: To provide seamless navigation and improved functionality across our digital platforms

Third-Party Cookies

Our website may contain embedded content or services from third-party providers that may set their own cookies. These third-party cookies are not under our direct control, and we encourage you to review the privacy policies of these external services.

Third-party cookies on our site may include those from social media platforms for content sharing, analytics providers for website performance measurement, and integrated library systems for catalog searches. We carefully select our third-party partners and ensure they meet appropriate privacy and security standards.

Cookie Consent and Control

You have full control over cookie settings and can manage your preferences at any time. When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept or customize your cookie preferences according to GDPR requirements.

You can control cookies through several methods:

• Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences
• Opt-out Options: You can opt out of non-essential cookies while still maintaining access to core library services
• Consent Withdrawal: You can withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences
• Cookie Management Tools: Use our cookie preference center to customize your experience

GDPR Compliance and Data Protection

As a public institution serving the citizens of Sofia, Bulgaria, we are committed to full compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our cookie practices are designed to protect your privacy rights and ensure transparent data processing.

Under GDPR, you have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, and port your data. You also have the right to object to processing and withdraw consent at any time. We implement Consent Mode v2 to ensure these rights are fully respected in our digital services.

Cookie Retention and Updates

Different types of cookies have different retention periods. Session cookies are automatically deleted when you close your browser, while persistent cookies remain on your device for a predetermined period or until you manually delete them.

We regularly review and update this Cookies Policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or technological developments. Any significant changes will be communicated through our website, and we encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your privacy.

The Sofia City Library reserves the right to modify this Cookies Policy at any time. Continued use of our website after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. We are committed to maintaining transparency and protecting your privacy while providing excellent digital library services to our community.