Frequently Asked Questions
Challenged Books & Intellectual Freedom
What is your mission?
Page & Portal Books proudly champions the right to read. We curate and feature books that have been restricted or removed from shelves to ensure these vital voices remain available to our community.
Why are challenged books so inexpensive?
We believe in accessibility. Because these stories are often the most targeted, we intentionally sell our challenged book collection at a small, accessible cost. We want to ensure that price is never a barrier to reading a banned or challenged book.
Where do you find your list of challenged books?
We stay informed and guided by the advocacy of two leading organizations:
- The American Library Association (ALA): We source our collection based on their official data. Visit ALA.org.
- Unite Against Book Bans: We utilize their resources to support the national movement against censorship. Learn more here.
How can I report a book challenge in my own community?
If you notice books being removed or challenged in your local library or school district, your voice matters. You can find resources and report challenges at the ALA Challenge Support page.
Shipping & Local Delivery
Where do you deliver?
We currently offer local delivery only within a 50-mile radius of Irondequoit, NY.
Will you ship outside of Rochester?
We are focused on our local community for now, but we plan to expand our shipping capabilities in the later part of 2026.
Our Candles
What are your candles made of?
We use high-quality wax blends to ensure a clean, long-lasting burn. Our candles are made with either Coconut Soy wax or Palm and Paraffin wax.
What are the benefits of these waxes?
- Coconut Soy Wax: An eco-friendly choice that provides a very clean, slow burn, allowing your candle to last much longer.
- Palm and Paraffin Wax: Known for an incredible "scent throw," this blend fills a room with fragrance quickly and maintains a smooth, professional look.
Where do you get your scents?
We believe in supporting the maker community. We source all of our fragrance oils from small businesses across the United States to ensure unique, high-quality aromas.
Returns & Exchanges
What is your policy window?
- Local Deliveries: Returns or exchanges must be initiated within 5 days of delivery.
- Pop-up Events: Returns or exchanges must be handled same-day at the vending event.
How do I return a candle?
We accept returns on candles as long as they have not been used or lit. We will email you a prepaid shipping label at no cost to you. Please save your tracking number until the return is processed and the item is received.
What if I don’t like the book selected for my Page and Scent kit?
You are welcome to exchange the book within 5 days of delivery (or same-day at a pop-up).
Our Books & Quality
Where do the books come from?
We curate our collection from wholesale, overstock, and gently used sources.
What is the condition of "gently used" books?
We define this as books with no missing pages and minimal spine wear, ensuring a great reading experience at a lower cost.
Order Issues & Support
What should I do if there is an issue with my order?
If you have any concerns, missing items, or order issues, we want to make it right! Please reach out to us at admin@pageandportalbooks.com or by clicking the Contact Us button on our webpage.