Books-A-Million Inc. is inviting ex-Borders employees to apply for positions at the national bookstore chain, The Birmingham News reported today.

Alabama-based Books-A-Million considered acquiring 30 Borders leases following the announcement of Borders’ liquidation on July 18. However, that deal collapsed and now all of Borders 399 remaining stores will close by September.

With 10,700 Borders employees losing their jobs, Books-A-Million decided to publicly invite the Ann Arbor-based chain's workers to apply for positions as booksellers, baristas and managers in various locations.

"We want former Borders employees to know that they have a place on our team," said Misty Fontenot, vice president of human resources for Books-A-Million, in a statement.

Books-A-Million has 231 stores in 23 states and the District of Columbia. After Borders' liquidation is complete, Books-A-Million will be the second largest bookstore chain in the country.

The Ann Arbor area has two Borders stores left: the flagship store downtown and the superstore on Lohr Road in Waters Place shopping center. Both stores will close in September following liquidation sales.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.