Cyclodextrins (CDs) can form inclusion complexes with a variety of molecules making them very attractive in different areas, such as pharmaceutics, biochemistry, food chemistry and papermaking. In this communication the preparation of β-cyclodextrin-grafted cellulose fibers was carried out by reacting β-cyclodextrin with cellulose fiber via citric acid (CA). Both fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and cross polarization magic angle spinning solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS NMR) indicated that β-CDs had been chemically attached to cellulose backbone through the formation of ester bonds. Furthermore, the β-CD-grafted cellulose fibers formed inclusion complexes with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CipHCl). And the β-CD-grafted cellulose fibers loaded with CipHCl showed excellent antibacterial activity against E.coli and S.aureus.