Cookie Policy

Last updated: October 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how Happy Barnet (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on www.happybarnet.com / www.thesecretbookswap.com.
It applies to all parts of our site, including The Secret Book Swap and By Barnet.

1. What cookies are

Cookies are small files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site work properly, remember your preferences, and understand how visitors use the site.

Some cookies are necessary for the site to function. Others are optional and help us improve your experience or measure performance.

2. How we use cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

    Type
    Purpose
    Examples
  


    Necessary cookies
    Enable core site functions such as page navigation, security, and contact forms. The website cannot function properly without these.
    Squarespace session cookies (crumb, test), Google reCAPTCHA (rc::a, rc::c)
  

    Performance & analytics cookies
    Help us understand how visitors use the site (e.g. which pages are most popular) so we can improve it.
    Google Analytics (data may be sent to the United States)
  

    Functional cookies
    Allow features such as embedded videos, forms and social feeds to work correctly.
    YouTube, Elfsight widgets, Squarespace integrations
  

    Marketing & social media cookies
    May be used by social platforms or partners to track visitors across websites and deliver relevant advertising. These are only set if you accept them.
    Meta (Facebook/Instagram) pixel, Substack embeds
  

3. Third-party cookies

Some features on our site are provided by third parties. For example:

YouTube videos (Google Ireland Ltd)
Elfsight widgets (Elfsight LLC)
Squarespace analytics and mailing list forms
Eventbrite and Etsy links (cookies only when you visit their sites)
Substack (if you choose to subscribe or read embedded newsletters)

These providers may set their own cookies and have their own privacy or cookie policies. We recommend reviewing them directly.

4. Managing cookies

When you visit our site, you’ll see a cookie banner that lets you accept or manage cookie settings.
You can also control cookies in your browser settings — for example, to block or delete them.

If you block necessary cookies, some parts of the site may not work properly.

5. Data transfers

Some cookies involve processing by providers in countries outside the UK (for example, the United States).
Where this happens, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses approved by the UK ICO.

6. Updates to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will appear on this page with an updated date.

7. Contact

If you have questions about our use of cookies, you can contact:
Happy Barnet
Email: hello@happybarnet.com
Website: www.happybarnet.com / www.thesecretbookswap.com