to investigate the reading activities and library use of the disabled, the authors conducted a questionnaire-based survey among 306 disabled people in four districts of beijing. the result shows that the disabled mainly take reading as a way of self-education and leisure. they have interest in reading but spend little time on it. moreover, their age and education level have certain influence on their reading time and effect. libraries play an important role in the reading activities of the disabled, who have a very strong interest in using libraries, but are limited by such factors as long distance between their home and the libraries, their misperception of libraries, and lack of barrier-free facilities in the libraries. therefore, public libraries are highly recommended to improve their layout, resources, and facilities to provide better services for the disabled.